Haico Scharn

Bram Wassenaar and Haico Scharn were the top Dutch milers during the early 1970s, dividing Dutch titles between them. Scharn won the 1,500 m crown in 1968, 1970, 1971 (indoor) and 1974, as well as a cross country title in 1975. Internationally, Scharn reached three championship finals, placing 4th in the 1974 Europeans, 6th in the 1973 European Indoor Championships, and 8th in the 1971 Europeans. His Olympic appearance, in Munich 1972, ended in the heats. From 1971 on, he held several Dutch records, including in the 1,000 m and 1,500 m. His 3:59.3 (1973) in the mile was the first Dutch mile under 4 minutes; his improved 3:57.18 time held as a Dutch record through 1985, when it was bettered by Han Kulker. The Dutch track and field athlete of the year in 1973 later became a coach, eventually instructing middle- and long-distance runners for the Dutch federation. One of his pupils was sprinter Els Vader, whom he later married. In 2021, both Vader and Scharn died of cancer.

Personal Best: 1500 – 3:37.8 (1973).