Helena Elisabeth "Lenie" de Nijs (April 1939 – 22 January 2023) was a 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.Lenie de Nijs . zwemmenindepolder.nl
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.Lenie de Nijs: Zwemkapioen ondanks astma . verteldeverhalen.ntr.nl After retiring from swimming she married the Dutch water polo player Harry Vriend on 4 October 1963.Zwemster Lenie de Nijs huwt met Harry Vriend. gahetna.nl Her younger sister Judith was also a world-level swimmer.Sportjournaal. Niewsblad van het Noorden (17 February 1958).Judith de Nijs . zwemmenindepolder.nl
De Nijs died on 22 January 2023, at the age of 83.
See also World record progression 200 metres backstroke World record progression 1500 metres freestyle
References