Eef Kamerbeek ranks as one of the best Dutch decathletes of all time. Between 1954 and 1964, he won the Dutch title 11 times, adding 11 more titles in the 110 m hurdles (7), the 200 m hurdles, the discus and javelin throw. Kamerbeek, whose father Henk was an Olympic hammer thrower and chairman of the track section of the Philips Sports Club (PSV), was unfortunate in international events. While already in Melbourne, he heard that the Dutch team was boycotting the 1956 Olympics, and Kamerbeek had to return without competing. Four years later, he placed fifth, distracted by a romantic adventure with Mary Bignal. In Tokyo, his final Olympics, he had to retire due to a back injury. Kamerbeek also missed out on medals at the European Championships, placing 6th (1958) and 4th (1962), the latter despite his best ever decathlon score. After his active career, Kamerbeek worked for Philips in various functions, and also succeeded his father as chairman of the PSV track division.
Personal Best: Dec – 7500 (1962).
Netherlands