Mark Faber<\/strong> – now the Belgian head coach – Kamminga posted to social media, saying:<\/p>\n“I\u2019m excited to share an important step in my journey. A new chapter filled with hope, growth, and fresh energy. After taking time to reflect on where I am and where I want to go, I\u2019ve decided to continue my swimming career in Hong Kong, but representing the Netherlands.<\/p>\n
“My time in Dutch swimming has shaped me in countless ways. It\u2019s been a journey full of lessons, some tough, many beautiful, and I will always carry those experiences with me. While not everything went the way I had hoped, I now see it as a chapter that helped me grow, not just as an athlete but as a person. It\u2019s time for that chapter to close, and for a new one to begin.<\/p>\n
“There are people I want to thank from the bottom of my heart. Coach Mark and physio Jan, your unwavering support, your belief in me, and your dedication to not only making me a better swimmer but a better human being. I will never forget that. It saddens me that I couldn\u2019t continue my journey in the Netherlands with Mark. We\u2019ve achieved so much together, and that connection will always mean a lot to me. But at the same time, I\u2019m incredibly excited about the opportunity to train and live in Hong Kong. I truly believe this is the best option for me right now. To find the stability, support, and clarity I need to swim at my best again.<\/p>\n
“Going forward, I\u2019ll be based in Hong Kong, representing the Netherlands, and training under the guidance of coach Tom Rushton. After taking an eight-month break from swimming, I\u2019ll be starting up slowly, listening to my body and rebuilding step by step. Because of that I will not be participating in Singapore this summer for the upcoming world championships. But I\u2019m determined to give it my all and get back into shape, with my eyes set firmly on the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. That passion and drive is still there, and I\u2019m ready to work for it.<\/p>\n
“Over the past year, I\u2019ve also been working on something very personal: a documentary that tells the story behind this transition. It\u2019s about figuring out who I am, what I stand for and where my boundaries are. While working on this documentary I learned a lot by looking back at what happend to me in the past months and years which let to me choosing for Hong Kong. The documentary is raw, honest, and deeply personal and will give a small inside in what the world of high level swimming is about. I hope to share more information about this amazing project later this year, since it\u2019s not done yet.<\/p>\n
“Thank you to everyone who\u2019s been part of this journey. The support means more than I can say. I\u2019m hopeful, I\u2019m motivated, and I\u2019m ready for what\u2019s ahead.<\/p>\n
“\u2014 Arno Kamminga”<\/p>\n