Korie Homan

Korie Homan (16 June 1986) is a Dutch paralympic athlete. She specialises in wheelchair tennis, both singles and doubles.

Korie Homan was hit by a car in 1998 at a bicycle crossing. Following scans and photographs, it was determined she had suffered a severe brain contusion, whiplash and a heavily bruised ankle. After six weeks, however, rather than improving, her condition worsened. Korie suffered more and more pain, and painkillers had no effect. Korie was finally diagnosed with post-traumatic dystrophy. After a number of treatments and various examinations, Korie decided to have her leg amputated, on 20 February 2003. She was subsequently fitted with a C-leg; a computer-controlled knee prosthetic.

Korie, who had been a tennis player before her accident, decided to try wheelchair tennis. She started in 2000, initially in the form of therapy as a way to expend her energy and frustration. However, she developed well. In 2001 she was admitted to the Dutch junior selection and within the year was part of the Dutch B selection. Things then started to move, and Korie played in a number of international tournaments.

In 2008, Korie was selected for the Netherlands in the Paralympic Summer Games in Beijing, where she won a silver medal in the final against Esther Vergeer. In the doubles, together with Sharon Walraven, she also played and won the final, receiving a gold medal.

According to Aad Zwaan, Korie Homan’s trainer, his pupil has the capacity, in the future, to compete with the world’s number 1, Esther Vergeer.

• 06/07/09 : Korie Homan and Esther Vergeer win Wimbledon
• 02/02/09 : Wheelchair tennis player Korie Homan second in Australian Open