Lenie de Nijs

Helena Elisabeth "Lenie" de Nijs (born April 1939) is a retired Dutch swimmer. In July-August 1955 she broke three freestyle world records over 1500 m, 880 yd and 1760 yd distances. She then changed to backstroke, winning three national titles over 100 m (1956–1958) and setting world records in the 200 m backstroke (1957) and 4×100 m medley relay events (1956 and 1958); she set her last record while winning the European title in Budapest, together with Ada den Haan, Cocky Gastelaars and Atie Voorbij. She qualified for the 1956 Summer Olympics, but could not participate due to the boycott of those games by the Netherlands.[1]

In this Dutch name, the family name is de Nijs, not Nijs.
Lenie de Nijs
Lenie de Nijs in 1956
Personal information
BornApril 1939 (age 81)
Hilversum, the Netherlands
Sport
SportSwimming
StrokesFreestyle, backstroke
ClubHZC de Robben, Hilversum
CoachJan Stender
Medal record
Representing the  Netherlands
European Championships
1958 Budapest 4×100 m medley

As a child, de Nijs was diagnosed with chronic asthma and bronchitis and the doctor advised her to join a sport club to improve health.[2] After retiring from swimming she married the Dutch water polo player Harry Vriend on 4 October 1963.[3] Her younger sister Judith was also a world-level swimmer.[4][5]

See also

References
  1. Lenie de Nijs. zwemmenindepolder.nl
  2. Lenie de Nijs: Zwemkapioen ondanks astma Archived 22 February 2013 at Archive.today. verteldeverhalen.ntr.nl
  3. Zwemster Lenie de Nijs huwt met Harry Vriend. gahetna.nl
  4. Sportjournaal. Niewsblad van het Noorden (1958-02-17).
  5. Judith de Nijs. zwemmenindepolder.nl
Records
Preceded by
Ragnhild Hveger		 Women's 1500 metres freestyle
world record holder (long course)
23 July 1955 – 21 August 1956		 Succeeded by
Jans Koster
Preceded by
Philippa Gould		 Women's 200 metres backstroke
world record holder (long course)
17 May 1957 – 1 August 1958		 Succeeded by
Chris von Saltza
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