Koen Naert, the 2018 European Marathon Champion, has an impressive track record. But even the best athletes sometimes face barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. For Koen, this was a challenge in terms of energy absorption and digestion. Fortunately, a collaboration with Cosmogroup led to a breakthrough that gave his running career new wings.
The problem: energy and digestion
During intensive marathon training and races, Koen struggled with consuming enough carbohydrates, which is crucial for delivering peak performance. The inability to consume an adequate number of grams of carbohydrates per hour led not only to energy deficits but also to digestive issues. These complaints limited him in his training and negatively affected his performance.
“I often felt limited by my body, especially when I was under heavy exertion for extended periods,” says Koen. “It was frustrating to know that I could be physically stronger if I got my digestion and nutrition in order.".
The solution: multiomics analysis by Cosmogroup
Cosmogroup, specialists in personalized sports nutrition and supplements, saw an opportunity in Koen's challenge to utilize their expertise. Together with Koen's medical guidance, they conducted a comprehensive multi-omics analysis. This involved mapping his gut microbiome, a crucial step in understanding the interaction between his microbiome and his body. This advanced approach provided deep insights into how Koen's body responded to various nutrients and supplements. Thanks to this data, Cosmogroup was able to develop a personalized strategy to optimize his nutrition and supplementation.
The result: a breakthrough
With the new insights, Koen was able to adjust his diet and supplements to address his digestive issues. This allowed him to absorb the necessary amount of carbohydrates again without problems during training sessions and competitions.
“Since I've been using Cosmogroup's personalized approach to supplements and sports nutrition, I've been able to recover faster from intensive efforts and my intestinal issues during training and competitions have completely disappeared. This allows me to push myself to the limit every time, making progress every day,” says Koen.
The timing couldn't have been better: this optimization took place a few months before the New York City Marathon in November 2023. There, Koen achieved a phenomenal fifth place and immediately secured his qualification for the Marathon World Championships in Tokyo on September 15, 2025.
A new standard for athletic performance
Koen's story illustrates how science and sports can go hand in hand. Through the use of a multi-omics analysis of My Inner Selfie and a personalized approach has not only improved Koen's performance but also restored his confidence in his body.
For Koen, this means he can now not only train and perform at the highest level, but also that he continues to take steps every day towards new personal bests. His impressive fifth place in New York proves that this approach is paying off.
Inspiration for others
Koen Naert's story is a source of inspiration for other athletes and sports enthusiasts. It demonstrates that an individualized approach, based on scientific insights, can make a difference. With Cosmogroup's progressive methods, the path to success seems paved for Koen and for many others who want to push their athletic boundaries.