Wim Slijkhuis

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameWillem Frederik "Wim"•Slijkhuis
Used nameWim•Slijkhuis
Born13 January 1923 in Leiden, Zuid-Holland (NED)
Died28 June 2003 in Badhoevedorp, Noord-Holland (NED)
Measurements174 cm / 62 kg
AffiliationsAAC, Amsterdam (NED)
NOC Netherlands
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 0
Bronze 2
Total 2

Biography

One of the top middle distance runners in the years after World War II, Wim Slijkhuis won two Olympic bronze medals at the 1948 Olympics. In the 1,500 metres, he quickly closed on the leading Swedish pair of Henry Eriksson and Lennart Strand, but narrowly failed to overtake Strand. In the 5,000, he was part of the lead group, from which both Gaston Reiff and Emil Zátopek escaped. In 1946, Slijkhuis had also earned a silver medal at the European Championships (5,000 m), while in 1950 he would win the 1,500 m in a sprint duel with Patrick El Mabrouk. During his career, Slijkhuis collected 18 Dutch titles (1500 m: 1949, 1951, 1953; 5,000 m: 1942-44, 1946, 1948-51; cross country (short); 1946, 1948; cross country (long): 1943, 1946-49) and a US indoor title (mile: 1949) as well as a British AAA title (3 miles: 1948). He retired in 1954 due to an Achilles’ tendon injury.

Personal Bests: 1500 – 3:43.8 (1949); 5000 – 14:14.0 (1946).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1948 Summer Olympics Athletics NED Wim Slijkhuis
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
5,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
3,000 metres Steeplechase, Men (Olympic) DNS
1952 Summer Olympics Athletics NED Wim Slijkhuis
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) AC h3 r1/3
5,000 metres, Men (Olympic) DNS

Special Notes