Nelli Fiere-Cooman

Nelli Cooman was the fastest woman over 60 metres in the second half of the 1980s. She won the world indoor title for that event in 1987 and 1989, and won the European title a record six times (1985-1989, 1994). At the 1986 European Championships, she also bettered the World Record to 7.00, which stood for six years and is still the Dutch record as of 2009. Her great speed did not transfer as well to the outdoor arena, and she never proceeded past the semi-final stage at the Olympics or World Championships, although she did win a bronze medal at the 1986 European Championships. Cooman was born in Suriname and moved to the Netherlands at age 8. She was initially a football player, until her sprinting talents were discovered in high school. She has won 15 Dutch titles (outdoor and indoor) and was named Dutch female athlete of the year in 1986. Since 1997, the Nelli Cooman Games are held in her honour in Stadskanaal.

Personal Best: 100 – 11.08 (1986).