paroolOct 17, 2026, 01:01

Stewardess Mikky Keetels (27) became Dutch marathon champion without a coach, now she wants to reach the Olympics: ‘I try to learn from every race’

Stewardess and runner Mikky Keetels, the reigning Dutch marathon champion, is preparing to compete in the Amsterdam Marathon this Sunday. The 27-year-old athlete, who trains without a coach while balancing a full-time aviation career, is now setting her sights on Olympic qualification.

Lifestyle Amsterdam Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

The Amsterdam of children's book author Kevin Hassing: 'T's Teabar on the Jan Evertsenstraat is the best place to meet up'

Children's book author and actor Kevin Hassing discusses his favorite local spots in Amsterdam and the ongoing musical tour of his popular series. He highlights his preferred eateries and shops while noting his personal affinity for dachshunds in the city.

Family ‘pitches’ grandma during this Amsterdam dating night: ‘There’s no need for fooling around, friendship is also welcome’

During the Week Against Loneliness, a special dating event in Amsterdam allows families to help their relatives over the age of 65 find new companions. Participants are open to finding romantic love or simply building meaningful new friendships.

Writer, poet, and filmmaker Nafiss Nia (58) brings poetry to the streets of Amsterdam with 'Poetry on the Sidewalk': 'Before you know it, you're enchanted'

Nafiss Nia, a poet and filmmaker, has founded the Poëzie op de stoep initiative to bring literature into the public spaces of Amsterdam. The project aims to foster community connection by displaying accessible, hopeful poetry on sidewalks and signs in residential neighborhoods throughout the city.

Freek Gillissen (1955-2026) was a tower of strength for people with dementia and their loved ones

Freek Gillissen, a nursing consultant and co-founder of Alzheimercentrum Amsterdam, has died at the age of 71. He was highly regarded for his commitment to supporting both dementia patients and their families by fostering meaningful communication during the progression of the disease.

Rietje (87) trains for world record at 100: "I'm just going to try"

Eighty-seven-year-old Amsterdam resident Rietje Dijkman continues to train regularly for athletics competitions despite having two artificial hip replacements. She recently set a new Dutch record in the long jump and is now working toward her ambitious goal of breaking the world record for the 100-meter dash at age one hundred.