In 1993, Sander was diagnosed with Usher syndrome. Usher syndrome is a hereditary condition in which hearing and sight are affected. With this combination we often speak of deafblindness, while most people, like Sander, are not completely deaf and blind, but very hard of hearing and very visually impaired.

For Sander, practicing triahlon equals the concept of freedom.
Swimming, cycling and running where you are not concerned with the disability for a while. As Paralympic champion Jetze Plat says nicely: “Sport gives me the confidence in my own abilities and also provides the independence that I need in daily life.” In addition, it gives Sander a goal he can work towards and this gives him a lot of energy that he can eventually give back to his family and friends.