Sjef Hensgens

As a junior, Hensgens ran various middle distances, winning national junior titles in both 800 m and cross. While moving to the seniors, he increasingly specialised in the 800 m, becoming the top Dutch runner in the event in the early 1970s. He proved this by winning the Dutch national championships 3 years in a row (1969-70-71). After equaling the national record (1:48.6) in 1970, he shattered that time the following year, setting a national mark that would last until Rob Druppers bettered it in 1982. Internationally, Hensgens raced in two major tournaments. At the 1971 European Championships, he was eliminated in the semi-finals, while he exited the 1972 Olympics after the heats. During a training trip to South Africa, Hensgens (who ran for club Achilles TOP) started suffering from an achilles tendon injury. His recovery lasted a full year, but an attempt to return to competition in late 1973 failed, an Hensgens retired from competition. In 1976, he returned to athletics as a coach for Roermond club Swift. Outside of sports, Hensgens worked as a collector for the Dutch Tax Service.

Personal Best: 800 – 1:46.4 (1971).