What might seem like just a wide street is actually the Geertje Wielemaplein. This square in Amsterdam-Oost has a story to tell. It is more than just a space. It is a tribute to a remarkable athlete.
The Geertje Wielemaplein is located on Zeeburgereiland. This is the northeastern outpost of IJburg. It lies near the Zuiderzeeweg and IJburglaan crossing. Both are busy routes.
In 2016, this area was named Geertje Wielemaplein. It honors Geertje Wielema. She was a famous swimmer. Initially, there was a plan to name a street after her. This plan was withdrawn. Instead, this square was dedicated to her memory. The area also features other tributes to sports figures. Kea Bouman, Alida van den Bos and Faas Wilkes are among them.
The Geertje Wielemaplein extends from the Geertje Wielemapad. In 2020, the surrounding area was still developing. The island was undergoing significant construction.
On the square’s south side, a unique building stands. It was built from 2014 to 2016. This building is the second location for the IJburg College. The college began in IJburg. The building cost around 6.5 million euros. Atelier PRO designed it. Dorte Kristensen and Karho Yeung contributed to the design. The IJburg College wanted a High Tech Green-school appearance. The building houses vmbo-t and havo programs. Its facade features gold/sand anodized aluminum cladding. This makes it stand out. The gold color shifts with the sun’s position. Today, Alasca uses the building. This is a havo/vwo+ school with a new type of education.
Geertje Wielema was a celebrated Dutch swimmer. She was born in Hilversum on July 24, 1934. She passed away in Almere on August 18, 2009. Wielema specialized in the backstroke. Her peak was in the 1950s.
Jan Stender trained her at De Robben. She achieved international recognition at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Wielema won a silver medal in the 100-meter backstroke. Her time was 1.14.5. She participated in the Games with little training due to illness. Officials needed three votes to decide the final result. Ultimately, she was awarded second place. Joan Harrison of South Africa won. After the Olympics, Wielema and her family parted ways with Jan Stender and De Robben. They cited his dictatorial behavior. The family then joined HZC, a rival club.
In 1954, at the European Championships in Turin, Wielema excelled. She won gold in the 100-meter backstroke at 1.13.2. She also won silver in the 4×100 meter freestyle at 4.33.2. Plus, she won bronze in the 100-meter freestyle at 1.07.3.
Throughout her career, she secured twelve Dutch titles in long course swimming. She also set three world records. In 1954, she was the first Dutch Sportswoman of the Year. She was selected for the 1956 Olympics. However, the Netherlands boycotted the Games. This was due to the Soviet invasion during the Hungarian Revolution. As a celebrated athlete, her image appeared on Blue Band packaging.
After her swimming career, she joined the KNZB sports committee. In August 1959, she participated in the Appelscha swimming championships. After two weeks of training, she finished third in the 100-meter backstroke. Her time was 1:16. She also became proficient in water polo. She played for the first and second teams of HZC De Robben. She also served on the board.
Outside of sports, she worked as a secretary at Phonogram Records. She also worked at AVRO’s Sportpanorama and AVRO Service Salon.
In 1983, she helped organize a swimming gala at Sportfondsenbad Oost. In 1984, she participated in AVRO’s Sterrenslag. She was on a team with other athletes.
Her sister, Emmy Wielema, was also a successful swimmer and water polo player.
So, as you stand here at Geertje Wielemaplein, remember Geertje Wielema. She was an accomplished athlete. She has left a lasting legacy in Dutch sports history.