‘It is now nine years since I took the step to move to Belgium. The first few months were not easy, it was no joke trying to learn the language. However, practice makes perfect. I have now reached the stage where I can hold a conversation in Dutch without any embarrassment.’ After suffering a serious injury Bolshakova is in the midst of yet another rehabilitation programme. If it were up to her, she would like to practice her sport at competition level again. (RK, mei 2015)