Willy Hillen

Willy Hillen was a judoka as a teenager but, after an injury, decided to try shooting, and turned out to be talented. He went on to win over 60 national titles between 1971-82 in both small-bore and full-bore rifle competitions. Internationally, Hillen qualified for the 1972 and 1976 Olympics, with a 17th place in the prone event at München as his best result. He also competed in the 1978 World Championships.

By profession, Hillen started working in his father’s bakery, later converting it into a café and restaurant. It became well-known for its popular frikandel snack, which they kept serving until after Hillen’s retirement in 2009. His wife Lieve Mistiaen, a Belgian sports shooter, worked with him in the restaurant

Hillen was coach to the Dutch shooting team for many years, taking them to the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Olympics.