Wim Slijkhuis

Willem ("Wim") Frederik Slijkhuis (13 January 1923 – 28 June 2003) was a Dutch athlete, who during his career from 1939 until 1954 for a long time was one of the world’s best middle distance runners. He excelled in all distances from 1500 to 5000 metres.

Born in Leiden on 13 January 1923, Slijkhuis began his international sports career shortly after World War II, having competed nationally since 1939. In 1946, he won a silver medal in the 5000 m at the European Championships in Oslo.

Two years later he took part in the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, and was a favourite to win a medal. In the 5000 m he finished third, behind Belgian Gaston Reiff and the legendary Emil Zátopek; nevertheless Slijkhuis was not satisfied. In the 1500 m, his second event, he could have done better, but started his final sprint to the finish line too late to catch the two leading Swedes, who finished narrowly ahead of him. In spite of this, realising 3:50.4 he equalled his own Dutch record, set two years earlier. Slijkhuis' achievements were overshadowed, however, by the performances of compatriot Fanny Blankers-Koen, who won four gold medals at the same Olympics.

In 1950, Slijkhuis did win a major title—the 1500 m at the European championships held in Brussels. His winning time was 3:47.2. His personal best at this distance had already been improved to 3:43.8, realised one year earlier in Antwerp and only 0.8 sec. away from the existing world record at the time.

During his career Wim Slijkhuis didn’t just run almost everywhere in Europe, but also in New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. He was the first Dutchman who competed in the US Indoor circuit and the first non-American, who ever succeeded in obtaining the US title over one mile.

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 with 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. Slijkhuis, who won eleven national titles – including eight in the men's 5.000 metres – on track, seven in the cross country and set thirty Dutch records, ended his career in 1954 due to injuries. He died on 28 June 2003 in Badhoevedorp.

References

* Weisscher, L. (1966) "Wim Slijkhuis, een groot atleet." De Atletiekwereld nrs. 12 + 13: KNAU
* Bijkerk, T. (2004) "Olympisch Oranje." De Vrieseborch
* [http://www.arrs.net/NC_O5KNED.htm ARRS site]