Dutchman embarks on barefoot record attempt in Australia to break through ‘macho culture’ | Abroad

Her first day couldn’t have been better, says a very happy Nootenboom, looking back on Instagram. “Many people accompanied me for the first kilometers. They wanted to be part of my trip for a while and wished me good luck. It made me feel amazing. Along the way, I received wonderful responses from people who shared their experiences with mental health. They recognized me from the radio stations which paid great attention to my trip. This is just the start of my journey. I can’t wait to see what else will happen to me. ”

Nootenboom left early Saturday morning because of the heat (around 30 degrees during the day, editor’s note) but nevertheless, according to him, it was already quite hot at the start of his adventure. “I’m relieved it has started. The past few months have been hectic because of the preparations. He thanked his Australian girlfriend Kate and others for their help.

Her goal is to cover around 15 miles a day and get to Sydney in about four months. Then, he passed no less than 5 million steps. The first step went smoothly. “I randomly chose a campsite where I wanted to pitch my tent when it was dark, but the owners offered me a bungalow so I could sleep well. They already knew my challenge, gave me a bag full of groceries and the hostess cooked me a big burger. ”

The Dutchman, born and raised in Goes, Zeeland, walked and climbed in 2019 untrained and barefoot at Everest base camp, located at 5364 meters above sea level from the mountain of almost 9000 meters above sea level. The challenge stems from his beginnings in Australia. Due to a “ housing debt ” in the Netherlands and a breakup in his new homeland, he often walked aimlessly along the beach, but eventually he was able to solve the problems and wanted to again mean something to people.

With his Everest adventure, he raised funds for a foundation that is committed, among other things, to improving the education of poor populations. With his new hike, Nootenboom wants to reach the Guinness Book of Records and raise awareness about men’s mental health.

There is a dangerously mistaken understanding of what “masculinity” means. As a result, men find it difficult to be overtly vulnerable. I want to help by showing that there is nothing wrong with talking about it and being vulnerable when you need support, ” the Dutchman explains on his site. The barefoot driver. In Australia, an average of eight people are killed every day. Last year, 3,328 Australians did so, 75% of them males. “I want to help prevent this from happening.”

Nooteboom served in the Dutch Army for ten years, flew three missions in Afghanistan, and worked in construction for the past five years. Both are considered “very masculine environments,” he writes. During my time in these industries, I have seen and experienced men’s mental health issues from my own experience. Ik voelde de drang om iets te veranderen, wat ertoe leidde dat ik in 2019 aan mijn eigen missie begon: extreme wandelingen op blote voeten maken om een ​​verschil te maken en te helpen met het creëren van de wereld waarin ik wil dat we german life.’

His missions literally and figuratively push back his limits and force him to get out of his comfort zone. “I want to use the momentum that comes from my barefoot challenges to raise awareness and fundraise for causes I believe in.”

“I want to be the change I want to see in this world, and show that it takes determination and two bare feet to make a difference.”