Born on 27th June 1975 in Haarlem, in the province of North Holland, Dennis van der Geest grew up immersed in judo from his earliest days. He would go on to build an exceptional competitive career, highlighted by an Olympic bronze medal in the +100 kg category at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. A year later, he reached the summit of world judo by becoming world champion in the men’s open category, defeating Russia’s Tamerlan Tmenov by ippon in a memorable final.
His consistency at the highest level was equally impressive. Van der Geest claimed European titles in the +100 kg category in 2000 and 2002, and stood on the podium at several world championships, collecting three bronze medals and one silver along the way. These achievements established him firmly among the heavyweight elite of his era.
Today, Dennis van der Geest remains a familiar and respected voice within the judo community as one of the commentators on JudoTV.com. Beyond judo, he has built a successful career as a television presenter and DJ in the Netherlands, demonstrating the same energy and authenticity that once defined his fighting style.
In this episode of LEGENDS, however, the focus extends far beyond sporting results. Van der Geest reflects with honesty and emotion on the relationships that shaped his journey, beginning with the most influential figure in his life: his father.
“This is my dad, who was really an explosive coach,” he recalls. “You always had the feeling that you were not by yourself on the tatami.” Sharing the pressure, intensity and emotion of elite competition, father and son developed a bond that went far deeper than coaching alone. “Sitting by the side of the mat when your son is fighting a world final… it’s amazing that he did this. We did it together. We went so deep together that most people will never get that close with their dad. That’s really valuable.”
Judo was not something Dennis discovered later in life, it was always there. “From the moment I was born, I was in judo,” he says. He began training at the age of four, in a household filled with judoka, stories and video tapes. The family watched recordings of legendary moments, including Neil Adams at the 1981 World Championships in Maastricht, before heading to training to try out what they had just seen.
For years, judo was pure enjoyment. Medals came and went but the pleasure of training remained constant. Then, at around 15 years old, something changed. “I started throwing people,” van der Geest recalls with a smile. “That’s when I felt maybe I could do something with this sport.”
He also speaks about his brother Elko, the people who inspired him along the way and the unforgettable emotions tied to the Olympic Games and world championships. Throughout the conversation, one theme stands out clearly: judo is not only about winning, it is about relationships, shared experiences and the emotions that bind people together.
Dennis van der Geest delivers a powerful reminder that behind every champion is a human story, one built on family, passion and a lifelong love for judo.
Follow Dennis van der Geest on JudoTV.com