Gerard Nijboer is the most successful Dutch marathon runner. His breakthrough came in 1980, when he set the fastest time of the season (2-09.01), the second best time ever at that moment. This time always remained his personal best, and was not beaten by another Dutch runner until 2003. Later in the year, Nijboer secured a silver medal in the Olympic marathon, the first Dutch runner to win an international marathon medal. He went on to win the European Championships in 1982, and collected a total of three Dutch titles in the marathon, as well as three titles over 25 km. He has also won the Amsterdam Marathon four times (1980, 1984, 1988 and 1989). Currently, Gerard Nijboer owns a running consultancy company, working for the Dutch Athletics Federation, having previously worked as the national road running coach.
Personal Best: Mar – 2-09:01 (1980).
Netherlands