Eddy Monsels

While in high school, Eddy Monsels was discovered as a sprinting talent, beating several sprinters at a school competition during the break of a football match - running barefoot. Joining the track club, his performances led to national junior titles in Suriname and the Netherlands (of which Suriname was still a colony at the time). Having moved to the Netherlands to study, he gained his first Dutch senior title in 100 m in August 1968. This performance led to him being nominated for the Mexico Olympics. That was not just a notable moment for Monsels, but also for his entire nation, as he became the first athlete to represent Suriname at the Olympic Games. In 1960, Wim Esajas had travelled to the Rome Games, but he never competed due to an official’s mistake.

In Mexico, Monsels managed to reach the quarter-finals, where he placed last in his heat and was eliminated. Monsels later won two more Dutch titles, repeating his 100 m win in 1971, and also claiming the 1970 60 m title (indoor). After completing his studies in geology at Leiden University, Monsels moved back to Suriname, where he taught at Anton de Kom University. He occasionally still competed, running in the 1977 Central American and Caribbean Championships. Around that time, he also joined the board of the national athletics federation. Eddy Monsels held Suriname’s national record in the 100 m until 1982, when it was bettered by his brother Sammy Monsels. Sammy also competed in two Olympic Games (1972 and 1976).

Personal Best: 100 – 10.45 (1968).