Erik van der Lee - Athlete Ambassador

Have you always been into sport?

I have been heavily invested in sports since I was a kid. I trained in judo from ages 5 to 12, and started training in Mixed Martial Arts at the age of 15 until this very day. The transition to running/cycling has been gradual but heavily inspired by Covid-19, as I required another outlet due to the closing of gyms.

If you're interested in starting your own fitness journey, Sundried's Activewear is suitable for people of all abilities. 

What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement within sports is winning a professional fight in China against a Chinese fighter. In China, the judges tend to favour their local fighter. I was able to use my earnings from this fight to relocate to Europe, where I currently live.

How do you overcome setbacks?

Setbacks and injuries among all sports require patience and flexibility. Especially when considering injuries; it is important not to settle for the quickest solution like cortisone shots or surgery if it can be avoided through rest. Although it can crush you having to give up an upcoming competition due to injury, short-term solutions usually end up resulting in long-lasting problems.

What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?

Don't worry about the critique of others. Do your best at all times and remember that it is never the people that are better than you that give their critique.

Why work with Sundried?

Sundried is a company that cares about its athletes, and most importantly cares about the environment. As humans, the most important thing is what we leave behind on this Earth. I appreciate a company that considers those same values and applies them to their business practices.

To hear more from our ambassadors and get free tips on workout plans and more, connect with the Sundried Personal Trainers on our app.