van patient naar ambassadeur: aniek van koot keert terug naar wkz
Utrecht, woensdag, 10 juni 2026.
Rolstoeltennisser Aniek van Koot is ambassadeur van het Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis in Utrecht. Ze was zelf lang patiënt na de amputatie van haar been. Nu geeft ze kinderen een hoopvolle boodschap. Sport hielp haar fysiek en mentaal. Dat wil ze anderen ook meegeven. Ze won zeven paralympische medailles. Beweging en veerkracht zijn centraal in haar werk. Ze kent de kracht van een gesprek met iemand die ‘het’ heeft meegemaakt. Die ervaring biedt troost en vertrouwen. Van Koot wil angst wegnemen. En vertrouwen teruggeven. Dat is haar doel als ambassadeur.
personal connection to the wkk
Aniek van Koot spent years as a patient at the Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis (WKZ) in Utrecht after losing her leg as a child. She underwent several operations on her right leg before it was ultimately amputated. During her treatment, she formed lasting memories of the hospital’s rooftop playground, animal-themed departments, and compassionate care. These experiences left a deep impression on her. Now, decades later, she returns not as a patient but as an official ambassador for the institution [1]. Her personal history gives her a unique perspective on pediatric care.
from adversity to athletic excellence
After adapting to life in a wheelchair, Van Koot faced a pivotal choice: make something meaningful out of her situation or not. There was no middle ground, she recalls. Choosing the positive path led her toward a successful career in wheelchair tennis. That decision brought her seven Paralympic medals over the years [1]. Physical activity became central to her recovery and confidence. She credits sports with improving both her physical health and mental resilience during difficult periods of adjustment and rehabilitation [1].
inspiring children through shared experience
Van Koot believes conversations with someone who truly understands a medical journey can be transformative. Before her own amputation, speaking with a peer who already lived with a prosthesis gave her reassurance. She entered surgery “full of trust” because of that exchange [1]. As an ambassador, she aims to offer similar support to young patients facing chronic conditions or disabilities. By sharing her story, she hopes to reduce fear and instill confidence in others navigating comparable challenges at the WKZ [1].
promoting movement and resilience
One of Van Koot’s key missions is encouraging physical activity among children with impairments. Many young patients are unfamiliar with adaptive sports options while hospitalized. She wants to change that perception by showing what is possible. As ambassador, she actively supports the WKZ’s existing sports program designed to help children with disabilities engage in exercise [1]. Promoting mobility, self-reliance, and emotional strength aligns closely with her personal values and lived experience [1].
a symbolic homecoming in utrecht
The appointment marks a poignant return to the place where Van Koot’s journey began. On June 10, 2026, she officially took on the ambassador role at the WKZ in Utrecht [1]. Her message to patients is hopeful: “the world lies at your feet,” though learning to see that takes time. While details remain under wraps, she hinted at a special local surprise planned for children during her visit—a gesture rooted in Utrecht pride [1]. The event underscores her commitment to giving back to the community that once cared for her.