Every generation of pigeon sport has its icons. Birds that rise above the rest, rewriting what’s possible. From the quiet lofts in Zwolle, the Netherlands, one such story took flight — the story of Cor Walda and his phenomenal hen “Jane” (B.22-8110981).
Cor Walda isn’t just another name on the result lists. His loft has become a symbol of precision, passion, and performance — a place where dreams quite literally take wing. Week after week, his pigeons deliver. Not by luck, but by a relentless pursuit of excellence that has made the Walda name echo across the Dutch racing scene.
And in 2024, everything came together in one unforgettable season — the year “Jane” became a household name in the world of racing pigeons.
The Loft That Breathes Success
Step into Walda’s loft, and you instantly feel it: this is not a backyard setup; it’s a finely tuned racing factory. Every perch, every breeder, every training flight serves one purpose — winning. Cor Walda’s discipline is legendary. He races from 100 km to 725 km, mastering short, middle, and one-day long-distance races with equal dominance.
That balance between speed and endurance runs through his bloodlines. His pigeons don’t just win sprints — they conquer marathons. And that’s exactly where Jane comes in.
Jane: The Hen That Redefined a Season
“Jane” wasn’t just good; she was special. Week after week, she showed that rare blend of intelligence, determination, and raw speed that separates great racers from the rest.
Her 2024 record left even seasoned fanciers shaking their heads in admiration:
1st National Ace Pigeon NPO “The Very Best” 2024 – All-round
4th National Ace Pigeon PIPA Ranking Middle Distance
8th World Best Pigeon Middle Distance
12th World Best Pigeon Speed
Few pigeons in the modern era can match that résumé. Jane became the pride of Zwolle — a symbol of what can happen when natural talent meets Walda’s methodical training.
More Than Numbers — The Spirit of a Champion
But Jane’s greatness isn’t defined only by results. Cor often says that “you can feel a good pigeon before you see her fly.” Jane had that presence — calm in the hand, sharp in the eye, a bird that radiated class.
In a sport where the difference between victory and obscurity can be seconds, Jane’s consistency made her unforgettable. She didn’t just win — she performed with character.
Her story is one of connection: between fancier and bird, instinct and discipline, passion and patience. It’s what every true pigeon lover understands — and what makes this sport timeless.
A Loft for the Future
As the results kept rolling in, so did the recognition. Cor Walda’s 2024 season became one of the best ever recorded in his region:
1st Short Distance (NN)
1st Middle Distance (NN)
1st One-Day Long Distance (Designated)
2nd One-Day Long Distance (Undesignated)
5th National Champion (Designated Middle Distance)
6th Best Fancier of The Netherlands
9th National Champion (Undesignated Short Distance)
Behind every title stood the same principles: quality over quantity, precision over chance, and heart over hype.
The Legacy Continues
Today, “Jane” (B.22-8110981) represents more than trophies — she’s a cornerstone for the next generation. Her blood flows into new breeders, shaping a line destined to carry the Walda legacy far into the future.
And for those lucky enough to own a descendant, one thing is certain: you’re holding more than a pigeon — you’re holding a story of greatness.
Because when it comes to racing pigeons, few tales are told like that of Cor Walda and Jane — the hen that made the world take notice.
Jan de Wijs
The Pigeon Boss
