Supporting athletes requires more than performance planning. It demands trust, consistency, and a commitment to long-term development — both on and off the track.

In the second part of our interview, Hannah Biwott-van de Veen shares her perspective on what it truly means to guide athletes through the challenges, decisions, and milestones of their careers.

From building trust and supporting athletes during difficult moments, to creating lasting impact beyond sport, Hannah reflects on the responsibility and purpose behind athlete management, while also sharing her hopes for the next generation in sport

Q: What do you look for in an athlete beyond performance and results?

A: Beyond performance, I look for character, curiosity, and a genuine willingness to learn. I value athletes who show respect for the system around them—the methods we work with as a team, the training plans developed by coaches, and the guidance of the people supporting them day in and day out.

Talent can create opportunities, but no athlete succeeds alone. Athletes sometimes feel they can do everything by themselves, yet long-term growth comes from trusting the process and recognizing the importance of the team around you. Respect, humility, and openness are essential for sustainable success

Q: How important is trust in the relationship between athlete and manager?

A:Trust is everything. Without trust, there is no honest communication, no safety, and no real partnership. It is the foundation of all long-term success.

 

Q: What does “long-term development” mean to you in an athlete’s career?

A: It means making decisions that still make sense years from now—physically, mentally, and financially. Not burning bridges or bodies, but building careers that last beyond competition.

 

Q: How do you support athletes during difficult or uncertain moments?

A: By being present, listening carefully, and offering clear, honest guidance. Sometimes support means solutions; other times it simply means not letting them feel alone.

 

Q: What kind of impact do you hope Volare will have on athletes’ lives?

A: I hope Volare provides athletes with stability, confidence, and a sense of being truly seen and supported. Beyond their sporting careers, I hope the guidance and advice we give them stay with them for the rest of their lives, helping them make thoughtful decisions long after competition ends.

I also hope that through travel and international exposure, athletes learn from Western culture and different ways of working, communicating, and planning for the future. If they can combine those lessons with their own cultural values, they leave sport not only as strong athletes, but as grounded, independent individuals prepared for life beyond the track.

 

Q: What motivates you on the days when things get tough?

A: On difficult days, I am motivated by the responsibility that comes with this work. There are many people who depend on this business, not only our athletes, but also our staff, and the families whose lives are connected to the athletes’ careers. Knowing that my decisions matter for others keeps me focused and committed.

At the same time, my own family is a constant source of motivation. I hope to show my children that the world is open to them—that with courage, hard work, and integrity, opportunities can be created across borders and cultures. That belief gives me strength, even on the hardest days.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to work in sports?
A: I would encourage young women to believe in their independence and the strength they carry within themselves. In some cultural contexts—particularly in East Africa—this can be complex, but that does not make it any less important. My wish is to see men and women treat each other with mutual respect, recognizing that no one is above the other.

I strongly believe that women should be free to develop in the direction they choose, using their own talents and inner strength. My advice to young women is to first focus on building their own lives and careers, creating stability and confidence for themselves.

In relationships, I hope they learn that it is okay to speak up for themselves and to expect respect. A healthy relationship is about teamwork, supporting one another so that both people can grow and succeed together. Through exposure to different cultures, including Western culture, I hope young women gain the confidence to carry these values with them, wherever life takes them.

 

Q: If you could describe your work in one sentence, what would it be?
A: I walk alongside athletes through joy, struggle, and everything in between, grateful for the work, aware of its weight, and quietly collecting stories that might one day turn into a book.