Neeltje Jannetje KARELSE

Nel Karelse was a sprinter and long jumper active in the post war era. In 1947, she joined the training group of Fanny Blankers-Koen, led by that sprinter's husband, Jan Blankers. It helped her qualify for the 1948 Olympics in two events, the 200 m and the long jump - her top event. In London, she qualified for the long jump final with her last jump. In the final, she managed a 5th place, just behind her compatriot Gerda van der Kade-Koudijs and cm behind the bronze medalist. Karelse won just a single Dutch title, mostly due to the dominance of Blankers-Koen. In 1949, she won the 200 m title.

Personal Bests: 200 – 25.2 (1948); LJ – 5.715 (1948).