Presenter Natasja Gibbs was in last night Kamp of Koningsbrugge for aphysical and mental test. Her fears and self-image got the better of her.Gibbs talked about her childhood trauma and the impact it has on her. Viewerspraise her participation and willpower.
Gibbs has previously been acclaimed by the viewing public for herperseverance. Because of her physical condition she did not have it during herparticipation. At the start of last night’s episode, the team spirit is stillgood among the participants. Gibbs still speaks out loud that she is proud ofher fellow comrades and herself.
But it turns out that a mental struggle is taking place in Gibbs’ head. “It’sreally the way I was raised. I don’t really know anything other than that Idon’t always meet certain standards and that it’s never good enough.” Achildhood trauma appears to be very deep in the presenter. “I had a prettyviolent upbringing as a child and that shapes you enormously. That ensuresthat you are always on the lookout. Deep in my heart I understand where thatuncertainty and everything comes from.”
Natasja Gibbs is afraid of the dark due to childhood trauma
The familiar faces must make a journey through the dark on their own in thisepisode. Where Gibbs soon confesses that she is afraid of the dark and stillsleeps with a nightlight on. “Because you can’t predict what will happen.” Sheexplains that she was very anxious during her childhood. “And I was afraidthat the next day would come.”
Former commando Ray tries to give Gibbs some courage before she starts herjourney. A terrified Gibbs braves the dark. Finally she arrives at the endpoint and that triggers a lot of emotion in her.
Overweight physically and mentally
Later in the morning there will be a commando training. Gibbs does notparticipate, because according to commando duo Ray and Dai, this training isphysically and mentally too heavy for her. Much to the disappointment of Gibbshimself. “I want to get rid of that shit, I don’t want this anymore. My ownshit. I said, I’m the one who’s getting in my way and I want to get rid ofthat. I am constantly fighting with myself.” After which one of the commandoscompliments her for her perseverance. “I also don’t want to cry so much allthe time.” But she emphasizes that she is “very angry” at herself.
“Would it be smart to continue with this? Will it get better?” Commander Rayasks Gibbs. And the commando duo conclude that the problem with Gibbs is toodeep and they are in it Kamp of Koningsbrugge not going to get out. Afterwhich they ask if Gbibs wants to stop the program. She tears off her badgefrom her uniform and gets a hug from the commandos.
Viewers praise Natasja Gibbs’s participation in Kamp van Koningsbrugge
“I’ve been fighting this fight all my life. I’ve been programmed that waysince I was a kid. It’s so ingrained in me. I’ve always been told I’m notworth things or not good enough,” Gibbs said. She wonders if she will ever getover this mental struggle. But she wouldn’t have wanted to miss the program”for a cent.” Viewers also praise her willpower in the program. The reactionsto her participation and eventual departure are therefore heartwarming.