Dutch De Gans switches to Czech Republic

Another case where an athlete changes its nationality. With the help of the Czech Judo Federation Dutch athlete Elea de Gans will spread her wings and try to qualify for her new nation. De Gans' mother is Czech and De Gans now has a double nationality and is now Elea de Gansova. Her gi says Gansova though only.

Gansova said: Although the process took a long time, I now get the chance for the major events such as Grand Prix, Grand Slam and European Championships, perhaps more. I get the chance to pick up experience what I missed in the juniors. The 20-year old Dutch took the national title U57kg. As the Czech don't have an alternative De Gans spoke with Czech coach Petr Lacina.

Gansova is not the only one changing her nationality. Previously Taciana Lima (BRA) is successful as athlete for Guinee-Bissau, won Esther Stam (NED) recently her first event for Georgia and countless other examples such as Szandra Szogedi (HUN-GHA), Amelie Rosseneu (BEL-ISR), and recently 21-year old German Katharina Haecker fights for Australia.

Gansova reacts to 100judo.com: I dont expect anything in the first year, its a learning experience to get used to the tournaments and top judoka. In the end I have the Olympic dream, but the road is long. I will be training in the Netherlands as in the Czech Republic there are no opponents, but sometimes I will go. First mission is the Grand Prix in Mongolia.