Passing of the creator of many heroes at JudoInside.com, Barbara

With pain in my heart I share with you the passing of my wife Barbara van Essen. She created so many young judoheroes throughout the years working each day on the results at JudoInside which is a source of inspiration for young athletes to be recognised. Barbara was the one who researched those detailed results of all kind of ages, of young children who were inspired by their heroes who she helped to recognise with JudoInside.com as first source of information for judofans, media, federations and not least athletes.

She was the one responsible for the data entry side of many historical events. Managing sports data was her passion and JudoInside her platform. She fought with the most obscure judo names and dealt with all events.

Barbara (53) who was ill for four years with two years in relatively good health, couldn’t win this unfair contest as a lightweight. She created many medals, but she couldn’t win a medal herself. Her work ethic, unconditional eagerness to find what she was looking for by creating new results, new athletes was an inspiration for many. 
Although athletes didn’t see her at the judo events, she was the solid hard worker at home. Her fighting spirit that she needed over the last four years is something in a different league than judo. A place without medals. She deserves the biggest medal fighting cancer. I thank her with everything I have for what she has done for me, my family and judo.