**An Exclusive Interview with Mathieu Van der Pole: Celebrating Love, Support, and Resilience with Roxanne Bertels**
*In a world that often emphasizes achievement and resilience, it is rare to encounter stories that intertwine love, unwavering support, and the human capacity to overcome adversity. Recently, we had the extraordinary privilege of sitting down with Mathieu Van der Pole—a renowned athlete, philanthropist, and advocate—and Roxanne Bertels, his devoted partner and confidante. Their story is not just one of personal triumph but a testament to the profound power of love and resilience in shaping a life worth celebrating.*
Introduction: A Meeting of Hearts and Dreams
Mathieu Van der Pole, known globally for his incredible achievements in marathon running and his relentless advocacy for mental health awareness, has always been a figure of inspiration. However, behind his athletic prowess and public persona lies a deeply personal story—one that involves love, support, and overcoming personal struggles.
Roxanne Bertels, a talented artist and mental health counselor, entered Mathieu’s life during a pivotal moment, catalyzing a journey of mutual growth and healing. Their partnership exemplifies how love can serve as a catalyst for resilience, turning life’s challenges into opportunities for profound connection.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into their story—exploring how love and support have shaped their individual journeys, the challenges they’ve faced together, and their hopes for the future.
The Beginning: How Love Blossomed Amidst Challenges
**Interviewer:** Mathieu, Roxanne, thank you both for sharing your time with us. To start, could you tell us about how your paths crossed and what drew you to each other?
**Mathieu Van der Pole:** Thank you for having us. Roxanne and I met about five years ago at a charity event I was hosting. I was at a point where I was dealing with a lot—personal doubts, injuries, and the mental toll that comes with high-level competition. Roxanne’s presence was calming; her kindness and genuine interest in helping others stood out. We connected almost instantly, and what began as a friendship gradually grew into something more profound.
**Roxanne Bertels:** For me, Mathieu’s openness and vulnerability were what initially drew me in. Behind his accomplishments, he’s incredibly human—resilient, yet approachable. Our shared values around mental health and authentic connection created a strong foundation for our relationship.
**Interviewer:** It’s inspiring to hear how genuine connection can blossom amidst life’s struggles. Mathieu, can you share how your personal challenges influenced your openness to love and support?
**Mathieu:** Absolutely. Throughout my athletic career, I’ve faced injuries, setbacks, and periods of mental exhaustion. These experiences taught me that resilience isn’t just about physical endurance but also emotional strength. Opening up to Roxanne allowed me to embrace vulnerability, which is essential for genuine support. Love became a vital part of my healing process.
Love as a Catalyst for Resilience
**Interviewer:** Love often serves as a powerful motivator. How has your relationship impacted your resilience, Mathieu?
**Mathieu:** Roxanne has been my anchor. Her unwavering support during tough times—whether I was injured, facing burnout, or dealing with personal doubts—helped me persevere. Her belief in me often pushed me beyond my limits, reminding me that I’m not alone in this journey. Our partnership exemplifies how love can be a source of strength, especially during life’s most challenging moments.
**Roxanne:** For me, supporting Mathieu has been a transformative experience. Witnessing his struggles and resilience has deepened my understanding of the human spirit. Our relationship has shown me that resilience isn’t just about individual strength but also about the support systems we build around us. Together, we’ve learned that vulnerability is not a weakness but a foundation for growth.
**Interviewer:** Can you share a specific moment where love and support made a tangible difference in overcoming a challenge?
**Mathieu:** Certainly. A few years ago, I suffered a major knee injury that sidelined me for over a year. The mental toll was significant—I questioned my future and whether I could come back. Roxanne was there every day, encouraging me, helping me stay positive, and reminding me of my purpose beyond running. Her support was instrumental in my recovery, both physically and mentally.
**Roxanne:** That period was tough for both of us. I remember how helpless I felt watching Mathieu struggle, but I also saw how love and patience could nurture resilience. We created routines that kept him motivated—visualizations, mindfulness, and celebrating small victories. That experience reinforced that love isn’t just about happiness; it’s about standing by each other through adversity.
Navigating Personal and Public Lives
**Interviewer:** As public figures, you both face unique pressures. How do you maintain your relationship amidst the demands of your careers?
**Mathieu:** It’s a balancing act. We prioritize honest communication and set boundaries to protect our time together. The public spotlight can be overwhelming, but Roxanne’s grounding presence helps me stay focused on what truly matters—our connection and shared values.
**Roxanne:** Supporting each other’s careers requires understanding and flexibility. We make space for each other’s passions, and we’re committed to fostering a safe environment where we can be vulnerable without judgment. This mutual support strengthens our bond, regardless of external pressures.
**Interviewer:** Do you have rituals or practices that reinforce your relationship?
**Roxanne:** Yes, we have weekly date nights, even if just at home. We also practice mindfulness together—meditation and deep breathing—to stay connected and centered. Sharing our dreams and fears openly is essential.
**Mathieu:** Additionally, we’re committed to supporting each other’s growth—whether it’s Roxanne’s art projects or my training schedules. Celebrating each other’s successes, big or small, keeps us aligned and motivated.
Overcoming Personal Struggles: A Shared Journey
**Interviewer:** Mental health is a prevalent theme in your story. How have you both addressed mental health challenges, individually and as a couple?
**Mathieu:** I’ve been open about struggling with anxiety and the mental toll of competition. Recognizing these issues was crucial, and seeking help was a big step. Roxanne has been an incredible supporter—listening without judgment and encouraging me to seek professional help when needed.
**Roxanne:** Supporting Mathieu through his mental health journey has reinforced my belief in the importance of vulnerability. I also prioritize my own mental well-being, attending therapy and engaging in self-care practices. Our shared commitment to mental health awareness has strengthened our relationship and inspired us to advocate for others.
**Interviewer:** Have your experiences influenced your advocacy work?
**Mathieu:** Absolutely. I now speak openly about mental health, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage others to seek support. Roxanne and I co-founded a mental health initiative that combines athletic events with awareness campaigns, blending our passions for sport and mental well-being.
**Roxanne:** Our goal is to create safe spaces where people can share their stories and find community. We believe that resilience begins with acknowledging vulnerability and seeking help—a message we passionately promote.
Looking Forward: Dreams, Hopes, and Continuing the Journey
**Interviewer:** What are your hopes for the future, both personally and as advocates?
**Mathieu:** Personally, I hope to continue competing at a high level while advocating for mental health and resilience. I want to inspire others not just through my athletic achievements but also through our story of love and support.
**Roxanne:** I envision expanding our mental health initiatives, perhaps creating community programs that combine art, sport, and counseling. On a personal level, I look forward to building a life filled with creativity, purpose, and deeper connection.
**Interviewer:** Any advice for others seeking resilience through love and support?
**Mathieu:** Be authentic and open—vulnerability fosters genuine connection. Surround yourself with people who uplift and believe in you.
**Roxanne:** Prioritize empathy and active listening. Support isn’t about fixing; it’s about being present and compassionate.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Power of Love and Resilience
Mathieu Van der Pole and Roxanne Bertels exemplify how love and unwavering support can serve as powerful catalysts for resilience and personal growth. Their journey underscores that behind every achievement lies a story of vulnerability, mutual support, and the transformative power of authentic connection.
Their story inspires us all to embrace our struggles, lean on those we love, and foster resilience through compassion and support. As they continue to champion mental health awareness and personal growth, Mathieu and Roxanne remind us that love is not just a feeling but a vital force capable of transforming lives.
*In celebrating Mathieu and Roxanne’s journey, we are reminded that resilience is a shared endeavor—built on love, nurtured by support, and sustained through unwavering hope. Their story encourages us to cherish our relationships, prioritize mental well-being, and believe in the transformative power of love.*
