Willem Slijkhuis
 Hans Harting and Wim Slijkhuis (right) in 1951 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | 13 January 1923 Leiden, the Netherlands | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | 28 June 2003 (aged 80) Badhoevedorp, the Netherlands | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.74 m (5 ft 9 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 62 kg (137 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Middle-distance running | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Club | AAC, Amsterdam | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Willem Frederik "Wim" Slijkhuis (13 January 1923 – 28 June 2003) was a Dutch
Slijkhuis began his international sports career shortly after
Two years later he took part in the
In 1950, Slijkhuis did win a major title: the 1500 m at the
During his career Willem Slijkhuis didn't just run almost everywhere in Europe, but also in
Owing to his stubborn behaviour Slijkhuis sometimes clashed with officials of the Dutch Athletics Federation, who he accused of outrageous interference. On the track however he impressed experts and public with his smooth, steady running style. Especially the English were delighted about his beautiful running style, which they lyrically described as "The Poetry of motion".
His second Olympic participation in the 1952 Summer Olympics ended without any successes.[1] Slijkhuis, who won eleven national titles – including eight in the men's 5000 metres – on track, seven in Cross country running and set thirty Dutch records, ended his career in 1954 due to injuries. He died on 28 June 2003 in Badhoevedorp.
References
- ^ a b c Wim Slijkhuis. sports-reference.com
Notes
- Weisscher, L. (1966) Wim Slijkhuis, een groot atleet. De Atletiekwereld nrs. 12 + 13: KNAU
- Bijkerk, T. (2004) Olympisch Oranje. De Vrieseborch ISBN 90-6076-522-2
- ARRS site
European Athletics Championships champions in men's 1500 metres | |
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