How Alexander Magan combines not only one but two top performances
Curling demands precision, strategy, and dedication—qualities that Alexander Magan applies not only in the sport but also in his work as a physician. As a TeamNL curler, Alexander is a master at balancing the ambitions of elite sports with a medical career. With remarkable drive, he consistently brings out the best in himself. As the proud main sponsor of the Dutch Curling Association, Vebego believes in the potential of people and teams. Whether it’s the finesse of curling or the daily work we do to empower people, the strength lies in the details. What seems simple at first glance often requires extraordinary effort.
From open day to TeamNL
“My journey with curling began in 2014,” Alexander shares. “I was inspired by watching the Olympics in Sochi, where I saw the sport on television for the first time. After attending an open day at the curling club in Utrecht, I decided to give it a try. It turned out to be much more physical and strategic than I expected.” That initial introduction marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. “A year later, I was selected for the TeamNL talent program. Since then, I’ve been competing at the highest level. The further you go, the more challenging - and enjoyable - it becomes, especially as strategy plays an increasingly important role.”
In addition to curling, Alexander is also deeply committed to his medical career. “I’ve worked in intensive care and cardiology and am now conducting fundamental research in anesthesiology. The curling season takes up a lot of my time; during the season, I’m often abroad for half the weeks. Still, I find it a wonderful challenge to combine my work as a physician with elite sports. It requires careful planning, but that makes it all the more rewarding.”
Lessons from the ice to the workplace
Alexander sees many parallels between curling and medicine. “Both require precision, focus, and teamwork. Curling has taught me to make quick decisions and communicate effectively. I apply those skills in critical situations at work, such as during resuscitations where you have to lead a team and stay calm under pressure. In such moments, a clear head and strong leadership are essential.”
Combining curling with his medical career provides unique opportunities for personal growth. “Curling challenges me physically and competitively, while my work as a doctor offers intellectual challenges. This balance keeps me sharp and allows me to combine skills from both worlds.”
The future of curling in the Netherlands
Alexander is excited about the development of curling in the Netherlands. “I think the future of curling here lies in stronger youth programs and better training facilities. If we can provide more structured support for young talent and access to high-quality ice rinks, we can elevate the sport to a higher level.”
He also has a clear personal goal: “My ultimate dream is to qualify for the 2026 Olympics with TeamNL.” Unfortunately, the men’s team did not achieve the results needed to qualify for the World Championships at the recent European Championships. This means they will need to chart a new path to keep their Olympic dream alive. By performing well in the B-division, they hope to reposition themselves and qualify through the Olympic Qualification Tournament. Although it will be a challenge, Alexander remains ambitious: “Competing at the Olympics with just ten teams is a special opportunity, and we want to deliver a top performance there.”
In conclusion, he adds, “I hope my story inspires others to discover this unique sport, just as I was inspired by the Olympics in 2014.”
