Judith de Nijs (sometimes spelled de Nys; born 22 April 1942) is a Dutch swimmer. After setting a European record in the 400 m medley event in 1961 she shifted to marathon swimming and was ranked world No. 1 in 1964–1968 and 1970. For her achievements she was inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame.Honourees by Country . imshof.com
Biography Judith de Nijs was born in Hilversum. Together with her elder sisterSportjournaal. Newsblaad van Noorden (1958-02-17). Lenie she trained under the famous Dutch coach Jan Stender, and both became record-breaking swimmers. Judith first specialized in the 400 m medley and set a European record in this event in 1961. She then shifted to longer distances and become the national champion in the 1500 m freestyle in 1962.Judith de Nijs . zwemmenindepolder.nl
Since about 1962 she started competing in marathon swimming. This way, she became a professional swimmer and earned prize money for the races she won. From 1964, when the point system was introduced to marathon swimming, to 1968, as well as in 1970, she was ranked world No. 1.Wennerberg, 329–331 In 1969, she became the second Dutch woman (after Mary Kok) to swim across the English Channel.Jos van Kuijeren (2003-08-09). Studio Sport blikt vooruit op Grote Oversteek. zwemkroniek.com
On 17 January 1968 de Nijs married the water polo player Bob van Berkel and changed her name to Judith van Berkel-de Nijs.Cap Griz Nez, 14 September 1969. anp-archief.nl They have a daughter and a son, water polo player Robert van Berkel. She remained a competitive swimmer through the 1980s–2000s, winning national titles in senior categories in 1988–2001, 2005, 2007 and 2009 (3–4 km freestyle).
International competitions 1964 49.8 km (31 mile) Lake Ontario swim, Canada – 1st 1965 30.5 km (19 mile) Lake Ohrid race, Macedonia – 1st, 8h05min 1965 32 km (20 mile) Maratona del Golfo – Capri Napoli, Italy – 1 st, 7h04min 1965 40 km (25 mile) Alexandrium race, the Suez Canal – 1st, 10h24min 1966 40 km (25 mile) Traversée internationale du Lac St-Jean, Canada – 1st, 8h38min (race record)Wennerberg, 202 1968 24-hour La Tuque Relay, Canada – 3rdWennerberg, 247 1967 32 km (20 mile) Maratona del Golfo – Capri Napoli, Italy – 1st, 8h35min 1967 16 km (10 mile) Hamilton race, Canada – 1st, 4h45min 1968 24-hour La Tuque Relay, Canada – 1st Note, that in the 1960s, women and men competed together in marathon races.
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