Sport

Sensational: Hungarian Luca Ekler clinches gold at Paris Paralympics!

luca ekler gold paralympics

Luca Ekler won the gold medal in the T38 long jump event at the Paris Paralympics, the Hungarian News Agency (MTI) reported.

The 25-year-old athlete from TFSE, who is both a world champion and world record holder in her category, led throughout the rainy competition at the Stade de France, Telex reports.

Ekler’s winning jump of 5.56 meters showcased her dominance, with German athlete Nele Moos securing silver with a jump of 5.13 meters. Ekler had previously won gold in the same event at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago.

Luca Ekler in a league of her own

luca ekler gold paralympics
Luca Ekler wins gold medal in T38 long jump event at Paris Paralympics. Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd

Ekler’s first jump of 5.52 meters put her in a commanding lead right from the start, as

she was the only competitor to clear five meters in the initial round.

She improved her distance by four centimetres in her subsequent jump. With no one else surpassing the five-meter mark in the second round, it became clear that Ekler was competing only against herself, her season’s best of 5.63 meters, and her world record of 5.82 meters set two years ago in Paris.

Although the rain stopped, the final was delayed due to a malfunction with the bar sensor. During the unexpected break, Ekler made several attempts but only managed to pass the bar on her last attempt. Despite this, with no competitors coming close to her distance, she confidently defended her title and celebrated with the small group of Hungarian supporters present.

Luca Ekler suffered a stroke in 2009, which left her left side paralysed. Through extensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation, only minor symptoms remain in her left hand.

With this victory, Ekler secured the 4th medal for the Hungarian team in Paris, adding to the tally of one gold, one silver, and one bronze.

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Hungarian “Superman” swims around Manhattan – PHOTO GALLERY

Hungarian Superman swam around Manhattan 13

“Yesterday I swam around Manhattan. It was unique all way long”, wrote Attila Mányoki, the Hungarian “Superman”, in an Instagram post. He completed the 50 km distance in just over 8 hours, despite strong currents and heavy river traffic. By “conquering” Manhattan Island, he achieved the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming, a feat accomplished by only 333 people. Congratulations!

Attila Mányoki swims around Manhattan and under 20 bridges

“I started at Pier “A” and my direction was to the East River, Harlem and finally the big Hudson River. In the Hudson, the second part was rough because of the traffic. Boats, yachts, ferries. I felt good myself during this fantastic journey. I spend around Manhattan 8hrs 2min. Thanks to my friends who supported me”, Mr Mányoki wrote in his Instagram post following his remarkable swim.

On Facebook, he shared more details about his experience. He mentioned that the swimming contest around Manhattan was first organised in 1915. He wrote that his average swimming speed was 6 km/h, which is faster than his usual 4 km/h. However, swimming against the current slowed him down to just 2 km/h, while on the East River, he reached a maximum speed of 9 km/h. He added that the Hudson River’s current was particularly strong due to a hurricane and subsequent rainfall, which gave him some extra speed.

The ocean and East River were both 23°C, while the Hudson River was slightly warmer at 24°C. Due to the extreme heat, he drank six litres of a specially formulated energy drink. Mányoki wrote that he performed 33,000 arm strokes and took more than 15,000 breaths while swimming. However, he never lost his strength, thanks to the drinks and a sweet bite to get rid of the salty numbness in his mouth.

Hungarian “Superman” in the Hall of Fame for Long-Distance Swimming

Mányoki mentioned that he had to stop for 15 minutes due to a cargo ship and another 30 minutes because of a tourist boat.

The Hungarian superman also noted that the average time to complete the Triple Crown challenge (Manhattan Island, the English Channel, and the Catalina Channel) is over 35 hours. His time was only 29 hours and 48 minutes for the entire 130 km distance. One of the women who completed the challenge, Elizabeth Fry, assisted Mr. Mányoki during his swim by accompanying him in a kayak.

Hungarian Superman swam around Manhattan
Photo: FB/Mányoki

Mr. Mányoki revealed that only 21 people from 13 countries have completed the two biggest long-distance swimming challenges, the Oceans Seven and the Triple Crown. Ten of these swimmers, including Mányoki, are members of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame. He mentioned that after a short break, he would begin preparing for his next challenge.

According to Blikk, all swimmers are required to wear traditional swimming gear, such as textile swimsuits, swimming caps, goggles, and earplugs. Participants can only rely on their physical strength and mental endurance.

Read also:

  • Hungarian athletes included among 100 best Olympians – check out our article HERE
  • Zsófia Konkoly wins Hungary’s first gold at Paris Paralympics – PHOTOS and more in THIS article

The surprising connection between horses and Hungarian history

culture-horse-equestrian-history

The bond between humans and animals has been a long-standing one, dating over 15,000 years, as per Bayer. While you might be thinking of dogs or cats, in this instance, we’re talking about horses. They have held a special place in our society for millennia, and this is especially true for Hungary. So, if you’re curious to learn more about this incredible connection, make sure to keep reading. 

horse

A Brief History of Horses in Hungary

Prior to modern innovations, horses assisted humans with agriculture work, travel, and even during wartime for millennia. And it is a documented fact that the Magyars, or Hungarians, conquered the Carpathian Basin in the 9th century on horseback. This simple fact already hints at the importance of horses for the nation, turning them into somewhat of brothers-in-arms. They were so valued that, at one point in the 11th century, the King of Hungary banned their export. 

Later on, to replenish the number of horses lost due to the monarchy’s war and ensure their high-quality stock, the Imperial and Royal Stud-Farm Institute of Mezohegyes was founded by Joseph II in 1784. This is considered to be the second-oldest major stud farm in Hungary, with the first one being the Mata Stud of Hortobagy, dating back to 1671. Both of these are still operating today, in fact, there are currently four major stud-farms that have been open for centuries.

Unfortunately, after WWII, horse breeding hit an ultimate low and endangered many native horse breeds, such as the Gidran. This led to the industry pivoting to breeding a new variety of species, the sport horse. After 1989, private studs and breeding associations were formed to preserve and improve national breeds, along with the breeding program for Hungarian sport horses. 

The Modern Role of Horses in Hungary

Although nowadays, Hungary no longer requires horses for military purposes, they still play a vital role in society. One key example comes from the rise of horse racing, which is considered to be one of the oldest sports. While it can be enjoyed only as a sport, current viewers typically also engage by placing a variety of bets like a placepot on the races. If you’re not familiar with the term, this simply means selecting a horse to place in each of the first six races.

In fact, the popularity of horse racing has led to the creation of virtual horse racing. Here people get to enjoy a hyper-realistic horse race simulation and bet on it accordingly. This can be a great alternative for when there are no ongoing races, or simply to add some variety for those who want to enjoy more options. 

As it stands, the most successful racehorse is Kiscsem, a Hungarian horse, who won all 54 races she was entered in. Overall, Hungarian horses are renowned for their successes on the racetracks. This is chiefly thanks to the Hungarian Warmblood, also known as the Hungarian Sport horse, which required the crossing of native breeds like the Kisber Felver, Gidran, Furioso-North Star, and Nonius.  

horse racing

It’s clear that the bond between horses and Hungarian history runs deep and that without them, Hungary would look very different. After reviewing the history of horses in the country, from ancient times to the modern age, we hope that the endeavour to preserve these breeds is successful. After all, the country owes a lot to these majestic beings.

UEL main round: Ferencváros vs Tottenham at home – full program details

ferencváros

English, German, Dutch, Greek, French, German, French, Ukrainian, Swedish and Belgian opponents in the UEL for Ferencváros. Tottenham and AZ Alkmaar visit Budapest.

One-leg main draw instead of group stage

As we wrote earlier, the Ferencváros (FTC) team knocked out Bosnian side Borac Banja Luka to qualify for the UEFA Europa League. They were drawn in Monaco on 30 August from the second tier based on the UEFA rankings of the participants.

Under the new arrangements, each team that qualifies for the main competition will face eight opponents in the so-called league stage (two from each of the four groups), four of whom will play at home and four away, fradi.hu said.

The draw sees the home side host English side Tottenham, Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, French side Nice and Swedish side Malmö, while away games are played against German side Frankfurt, Greek side PAOK, Ukrainian side Dinamo Kiev and Belgian side Anderlecht.

In the league stage, the teams finishing in the top eight of the 36-team single-group main draw will go straight through to the last eight. Teams finishing between 9th and 24th will face a play-off round for a place in the last 16. For the teams finishing between 25th and 36th, international cup competition will end, as from this season there will be no crossover between the various international cups, with the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League all becoming closed from the main competition onwards, with only the qualifying rounds in one series allowing teams to continue in another.

In the knockout stage, the usual back-and-forth matches will be played, with the final still being decided in a single game.

Under the new system, which will come into force from the 2024/25 season, every match, every point, every goal scored, and every position will have a major impact.

Fans will be treated to a series of closely matched, decisive matches from the very first day of play.

Ferencváros – Detailed timetable

Round 1: Wednesday 25 September 2024, 21.00 – RSC Anderlecht vs FTC

Round 2: Thursday 3 October 2024, 18.45 – FTC – Tottenham Hotspur

Round 3: Thursday 24 October 2024, 18.45 – FTC – OGC Nice

Round 4: Thursday 7 November 2024, 21.00 – Dinamo Kiev – FTC

Round 5: Thursday 28 November 2024, 21.00 – FTC – Malmö FF

Round 6: Thursday 12 December 2024, 18.45 – PAOK – FTC

Round 7: Thursday 23 January 2025, 21.00 – Eintracht Frankfurt – FTC

Round 8: Thursday 30 January 2025, 21.00 – FTC – AZ Alkmaar

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Ferencváros advance to Europa League group stage, Paks and Puskás Akadémia exit European competition

banja luka ferencváros

Hungarian league champions Ferencváros will fly the flag for Hungary in Europe this season after defeating Borac of Bosnia in the play-off round, but Paks and Puskás Akadémia will put away their passports for another year after both were knocked out of the European Conference League.

Ferencváros needed a penalty shootout to overcome Borac Banja Luka after Barnabás Varga’s penalty had cancelled out Grahovac’s extra-time opener following a goalless 90 minutes in the Groupama Aréna in Budapest, MLSZ said.

Indeed, the first leg in Bosnia had been a goalless draw too, but the 30 minutes of extra time in the second leg at least produced two goals, Grahovac’s against the run of play in the 104th minute and Varga’s spotkick seven minutes later after Manolovic had fouled Ferencváros’s Kady in the penalty area.

The ensuing shootout was typically dramatic, with Fradi prevailing 3-2 to secure a sixth consecutive season of group-stage football in European competition and the fourth in a row in the Europa League.

Puskás Akadémia vs Fiorentina

In Thursday night’s other fixtures invoving Hungarian teams, Puskás Akadémia held Italian giants Fiorentina to another impressive draw, Zsolt Nagy’s 97th-minute penalty kick cancelling out Moses Kean’s earlier strike to earn a 1-1 draw at home in the Puskás Aréna after a 3-3 result in Italy last week, only for the Felcsút club to lose the resulting penalty shootout 5-4.

Paks vs Mlada Boleslav

Meanwhile, Paks suffered a more comprehensive defeat at the hands of Czechia’s Mlada Boleslav, the good work of a 2-2 first-leg away draw last week going to waste as a 3-0 loss at home meant last season’s Hungarian Cup winners were knocked out 5-2 on aggregate.

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Zsófia Konkoly wins Hungary’s first gold at Paris Paralympics! – PHOTOS

Zsófia Konkoly wins Hungary's first gold at Paris Paralympics

Konkoly won gold in women’s 400m freestyle in the S9 category. Her time was 4:39:78, while the World record is 4:23:81 set by Du Toit Natalie from South Africa. Congratulations!

Today, Konkoly won Hungary’s first Paralympic gold medal at the Paris Summer Paralympics in women’s 400m freestyle.

Lakeisha Patterson from Australia received the silver medal, while Vittoria Bianco from Italy won the bronze.

Zsófia Konkoly wins Hungary's first gold at Paris Paralympics
Photo: MTI

The Paris Paralympic Games started on Wednesday. The competition was held in the Paris La Défense Arena, Forbes wrote.

Paris Paralympic Games
Photo: MTI

The 22-year-old athlete competed in the S9 category. She first represented Hungary at the 2016 Summer Paralympics and won a bronze medal in the 100-metre butterfly S9 event. She was only 14 years old then. At the 2020 Summer Paralympics, she won a silver medal in the 400-metre freestyle S9 event. She won two gold medals and a silver medal at the 2022 World Para Swimming Championships, held in Madeira.

Following her bronze in 2016, she received the Hungarian Bronze Cross of Merit.

Zsófia Konkoly is an outstanding talent

The student of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Pécs won the gold medal at the World Para Swimming Championships in women’s 200-metre individual medley in the SM9 category and defended her world champion title in Manchester in 2023, pte.hu wrote.

“I have a sporty family, my mum played handball, my dad played soccer. When my brother went swimming, I wanted to go too. I came into contact with the world of swimming when I was six years old, my brother had asthma, and they suggested swimming to him. Once, I went to one of his training sessions, where I discovered that those who are good get a balloon from the coach. I also wanted to get it, so I started swimming. Later on, I loved it, and it became an important part of my life. Since then, they haven’t been able to get me out of the pool”, she told glamour.hu in 2023.

The Paris Paralympics will end on 8 September.

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Commonly asked questions about junior goalie gloves

goalkeeper football gloves

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Got a future goalkeeping star in the family? A shop-stopping legend-in-training? If so, you’ll naturally want to support their development. The best way to start is by giving them top-notch junior goalie gloves to take onto the pitch.

However, many young keepers (and their parents) make mistakes when buying their first pairs of gloves. A lot of them have questions, too, about how to pick the perfect gloves and how to look after them and help them last a long time.

This guide’s here to help, providing answers to many of the common questions that might be floating through your mind.

Are All Junior Goalie Gloves More or Less the Same?

Not at all. Junior goalie gloves (and adult gloves, too) vary massively from one pair to the next. They vary in lots of different ways, too, from their materials and construction to their aesthetics, safety features, comfort levels, and price tag.

One pair of gloves, for example, may have a much thicker backhand than the next, which helps the wearer punch the ball further. Some gloves have different types of “cut,” which refers to the way the palm and finger sections are stitched and impacts how much comfort and control the wearer has.

This is why you shouldn’t make the mistake of rushing in and buying the first junior goalie gloves you see or buying a pair just based on looks or brand name alone. You have to find the right fit for you or your young keeper.

Why Is It So Important to Pick the Right Gloves?

Because they have a big impact on your game. It’s as simple as that. You can ask any experienced adult keeper, and they’ll all agree that gloves really do matter. The right pair help you feel comfy and confident on the pitch, which, in turn, helps you make more saves and fumble the ball far less.

Meanwhile, ill-fitting or uncomfortable gloves provide a completely different experience. They hinder keepers and impair their abilities, preventing them from reaching their peak and putting in those 10/10 performances.

Not only that, but the wrong gloves may also raise your risk of injury. If your gloves don’t fit right or are poorly made, for example, you could put your hands, fingers, and wrists at risk of breaks, fractures, and more. It’s not worth the risk, especially for young players who are still learning the game.

How Much Should I Spend on My Junior Goalkeeper Gloves?

There’s no single answer to that question, as it all depends on what type of gloves you want and how much you’re willing to spend. But one thing is clear: you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good set of junior goalie gloves.

So, don’t make the mistake of assuming that a bigger price tag necessarily means a better pair of gloves. At the same time, you don’t necessarily want to buy the cheapest possible option, as they may be lacking in key areas, like comfort or safety.

Try to find the right compromise between value and quality, seeking out gloves that are reasonably priced and meet all your needs in design and protection.

How Do I Know Which Size to Buy?

There are a few ways to ensure you get the right size. First, check sizing charts for the brand you’re buying from. Charts may vary slightly from one manufacturer to the next, so it’s always important to verify before you buy. You should also measure your junior goalie’s hands before buying gloves to determine the right size. 

What Should I Look for When Choosing Gloves?

There are lots of factors to consider. For junior goalie gloves, it’s particularly important to focus on safety. Look for gloves that have strong safety ratings and helpful protective features – like fingerspines – to guard against injury.

Focus also on general comfort levels to ensure your young keeper feels at ease, as well as other elements of the glove design, like backhand strength, palm grip, and closure system.

Use This Info to Buy the Best Junior Goalie Gloves

Picking the right junior goalie gloves can be quite an ordeal. But, armed with this info, you should be in a much better place to make the right choice. Remember to take your time, compare options, and consider multiple factors to find the ideal gloves to elevate your young keeper’s game.

Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.

Orban and Gulácsi hoping to re-establish RB Leipzig as German football’s best of the rest

gulácsi leipzig

There was a time when RB Leipzig were not only considered to be the best German Bundesliga team after Bayern Munich, but they were also tipped to surpass the perennial champions.

Sadly for them, that ascendance never came to pass: in the meantime, Borussia Dortmund have steadied their ship and Bayer Leverkusen have become Bundesliga champions.

So RB Leipzig have fallen down the pecking order somewhat in German football, but they have a clear philosophy and a talented squad – with Hungarian internationals Willi Orban and Péter Gulácsi at the heart of it.

Red Bull Need Wings

You might think that Leverkusen’s title win during the 2023/24 season would have altered the landscape of the German Bundesliga, but according to the sports betting odds that’s not the case – they’re only +225 second favourites behind Bayern Munich (-450), with Leipzig back at +1100.

The sports betting tips columns will focus on the battle between upstarts Leverkusen and the wounded animal that is Bayern Munich; they won the Bundesliga title for eleven seasons in a row prior to 2023/24, so you suspect they won’t have taken their humbling too kindly.

Leipzig and Dortmund will be desperate not to become a mere afterthought in discussions of the destination of the Bundesliga title this term, and a case can be made for both.

Dortmund, of course, reached the final of the Champions League last season – they could be more of a danger on the domestic front this time around, assuming they don’t have a similar distraction in 2024/25.

As for Leipzig, Marco Rose has once again overseen a quiet evolution during the off-season, bringing in a host of promising talents. The loss of star man Dani Olmo to Barcelona hurts, but that’s the Leipzig way: buy low, sell high… $55 million in the Spaniard’s case.

Besides, they still have plenty of top players waiting in the wings…

Seeing Red

A captain has a responsibility on their shoulders to lead by example.

And Willi Orban has shown tremendous leadership qualities throughout his time at Leipzig, helping to get the best out of the teammates around him.

That selfless streak was in evidence once again on the opening day of the Bundesliga campaign, when he effectively sacrificed himself for the good of the team.

A Bochum attacker was threatening to break clear into a dangerous position, so Orban came across and brought him down with a professional foul.

Slow motion replays hinted that the Hungarian had got a little touch on the ball, which would have saved him, however the match officials didn’t agree and so instead Orban was shown the red card.

Leipzig hung on to win the game 1-0, with Rose praising Orban for ‘sacrificing himself’ for the good of the team.

The 31-year-old will now miss Leipzig’s next two Bundesliga fixtures, but he will be back soon enough and ready to resume his position as the side’s defensive catalyst.

Behind him, Gulacsi is celebrating his tenth anniversary as a Leipzig player, with the goalkeeper kicking off his milestone season with a clean sheet against Bochum.

Fans of the Red Bull powered club know that with their Hungarian duo marshalling the defence, they remain very much in safe hands.

Who will win the men’s US Open 2024?

ball tennis

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The US Open is one of the biggest events on the tennis schedule, and men’s tennis offers a true no-compromise battle that attracts millions of fans from around the world. At the junction of summer and autumn, the best tennis players of the planet will once again gather on the American courts to strengthen their claims to leadership or to make a last attempt to save the season, which is not going well so far. Who will become the winner is not known in advance – there are always obvious favorites, and at the same time, a sensation is possible at any time.

In 2024, the US Open will be held from August 26 to September 8. If you already know who will win the title, or have other predictions, go to Mostbet, and for now – bookmaker predictions about who the title “shines” with the greatest probability.

Carlos Alcaraz – 2.37

The 21-year-old Spaniard is considered by many to be the main star of the next generation in men’s tennis. The prerequisites for this are indeed there: at such a young age, Alcaraz already has four Grand Slam victories, and it was he who won the last two such tournaments – Roland Garros and Wimbledon 2024. He also has a US Open trophy under his belt, but he won it in 2022 as his first major victory.

Carlos’ chances of victory could be better, but the era of the Big Three is not really over – at least Djokovic is still a formidable force, as he proved to the Spaniard in the final of the recent Olympic tennis tournament. The instability of the talented young man is ready to take advantage of Sinner, who managed to establish himself on the first line in the ATP rating. Last year, at the same US Open, Alcaraz was stopped in the semifinals by Medvedev. All this means that he should not expect an easy walk.

Novak Djokovic – 2.87

The 37-year-old Serbian can be loved or hated, but it’s hard not to agree that he is one of the greatest players of all time. Fingers and toes put together are not enough to list the Grand Slam trophies won by him, he held the first position in the ranking for a record long time, won the final tournaments, and in 2024 he conquered almost the only height that had not been conquered before – Nole took the gold medal at the Olympics, showing Alcaraz a master class in tennis. After all, it is Novak who defends the title.

At the same time, one should not forget that age is an irresistible circumstance against which there is no antidote. The Serb is not terribly old by tennis standards, but it is already difficult for him to stamp big victories. In the 2023 season, he took three Grand Slam titles, surrendering only Wimbledon – he will remain without one this year unless he wins the US Open. Perhaps the audience will witness the swan song of an unsurpassed master, but it may also be that he has already sung it before.

Yannick Sinner – 3.25

The 23-year-old Italian clearly demonstrates that stability is a great virtue in tennis. He has only one Grand Slam title in his entire career – this year’s Australian Open, but it was enough for him to occupy the first step of the rating. Sinner achieved this result thanks to the fact that he mostly does not miss important tournaments and traditionally reaches the late stages. At the US Open Championship, Yannick did not make it past the quarterfinals, so it’s time to update his achievements – especially since it was in Australia that he achieved his main career success on hard.

However, if the unstable Alcaraz is considered great, then you rarely hear about the stable Sinner. The Italian clearly has a high level of skill, but a relatively modest purse indicates that in a tough competition, Yannick may not be able to push through. He did not make it to the Olympics at all because of a cold, although he was preparing and clearly dreamed of it. In short, this guy might surprise you, but don’t be too disappointed if he doesn’t.

Daniil Medvedev – 6.0

If in men’s tennis there is a conditional second echelon of those who follow the best, but are obviously behind them, then the 28-year-old Russian is a bright representative of it. There have been many highlights in his career, such as winning the 2020 Finals and the 2021 US Open (the only Grand Slam trophy) and a brief stay at the top of the rankings in 2022, but these are episodes. Medvedev’s level is better demonstrated by three Australian Open finals (including the last one) and the same achievement last year in the USA – that is, he is always somewhere close to the title, and therefore formally a contender, but more skilled tennis players are unlikely to allow him to win something really significant.

It is noteworthy that for the entire 2024 season, Medvedev did not win anything at all – at least, up to and including the Olympics. Throughout the year, he’s held the 4-5 spot in the ATP rankings, but he’s not even just the best version of himself right now.

Alexander Zverev – 17.0

The 27-year-old German of Russian origin has a biography very similar to Medvedev’s life path: the guy won the final tournament twice (2018, 2021) and has the gold of the Olympics in Tokyo, but in his entire career he did not win a single Grand Slam, and even reached the finals only twice. True, those finals were this year’s Roland Garros and US Open 2020.

Zverev has never climbed higher than the second place in the ranking, but his 4-5 steps this year is something similar to a local peak in his career. Last year he was unlucky to meet Alcaraz already in the quarter-finals, and although he is unlikely to win the trophy this time, there is a chance to improve on last year’s result.

Rafael Nadal – 21.0

In this case, bookmakers do not so much really believe in Rafa’s ability to fight for the title, as they play on the feelings of his fans, who want the legend to live forever. Unfortunately, as great as this player is, he’s clearly finishing up, so the proposed quote is clearly underpriced.

Conclusion

For everyone who finds it difficult to abandon the usual concept of a fight between three tennis players, there is good news – there are now exactly three contenders. Alcaraz will win if he is mentally and physically fit, if not, Sinner will likely take the chance. Djokovic is also ready, but age will hinder him.

Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.

Hungarian athletes included among 100 best Olympians

Ferenc Puskás

A French publication has compiled a list of the 100 best Olympians in the history of the Games to mark the 2024 Paris Olympics, and there are five Hungarian athletes on the prestigious list.

A new book, entitled Les 100 stars des Jeux Olympiques (The 100 Stars of the Olympic Games), portrays 100 athletes who have left their mark on the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The photographs highlight their incredible achievements in their respective fields and provide a retrospective of the most iconic figures of the Games from 1896 to 2020.

From James Connoly, the first Olympic medallist of the modern era in Athens in 1896, to Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Essa Barshim, the double gold medallists in the high jump at the 2020 Games, the collection offers “a richly illustrated retrospective of the highlights of the Olympic and Paralympic Games”.

Telex spotted that the book includes several Hungarian athletes among the 100 best Olympians. Although the list is obviously subjective, it is nonetheless interesting to see which Hungarian athletes made a deep impression on the French.

Dezső Gyarmati (1927-2013)

Dezső Gyarmati was a three-time Olympic champion (1952, 1956, and 1964) and a two-time European champion water polo player. He was awarded both the Prima Primissima Prize and the Hungarian Order of Merit. Born in Miskolc, the legendary player and national team captain played in a total of five Olympic Games and worked as a sports administrator and politician.

László Papp (1926-2003)

László Papp was a three-time Olympic champion Hungarian boxer, trainer, and sports manager, regarded as one of the most famous and best boxers in Hungary and the world. He won gold medals at the Olympic Games in London (1948), Helsinki (1952), and Melbourne (1956), becoming the first boxer to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals. Since then, only two other athletes have achieved this feat, Teofilo Stevenson and Felix Savon (who, interestingly, are both Cuban).

Papp László boxer 100 best Olympians champion
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Bálint Urbán/Fortepan

István Pelle (1907-1986)

István Pelle was a two-time Olympic champion gymnast, who in 1932 won the first and second Hungarian gold medals in gymnastics in the history of the Olympics. However, his career as a sportsman was quite tumultuous, as Nemzeti Sport recalls. Despite his initial success, Pelle at one point asked to be removed from the federation’s register of competitors because the Hungarian federation did not take kindly to his appearing at shows for pay and took disciplinary action against him. Pelle soon retired from competitive sport, graduated in law in 1936, and settled in Argentina after the Second World War.

Ferenc Puskás (1927-2006)

Hungarian footballer Ferenc Puskás, winner of the 1952 Olympic gold medal and the 1954 World Cup silver medal, is probably one of the most famous Hungarians in the world. A striker and attacking midfielder, he scored 84 goals in 85 international appearances for Hungary and went on to play four times for Spain. In 1995, he was named the top scorer of the 20th century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics.

Ferenc Puskás
Ferenc Puskás in Helsinki (1952) Photo: Fortepan / Bojár Sándor

DNH collected 5+1 facts about Ferenc Puskás that you may not have known HERE.

Károly Takács (1910-1976)

Last but not least, Károly Takács, a marksman who won gold medals at the 1948 London Olympics and the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, was also included among the 100 best Olympians. His story is also special because he lost the use of his right hand in a grenade accident in 1938, which meant he had to learn to write and shoot with his left hand. The Hungarian Olympic Committee website describes him as a “cool-headed, iron-willed” athlete who was so sure of victory in London that he wrote his winning statement before the event.

Those left out of the list of the 100 best Olympians

As Telex points out, fans of Hungarian sports who have a look at the list will probably be able to come up with a number of names that are absent from the list of notable athletes. The portal mentions Krisztina Egerszegi, five-time Olympic swimming champion, as well as Aladár Gerevich, seven-time Olympic fencing champion, and András Balczó, three-time Olympic pentathlete champion.

Among those who could also have made it onto the list of the 100 best Olympians are Tamás Darnyi, four-time Olympic swimming champion, and Ágnes Keleti, five-time Olympic gymnastics champion and Hungary’s oldest living Olympic champion.

keleti ágnes 1949 100 best olympians
Ágnes Keleti in 1949. Photo: Fortepan / Kovács Márton Ernő

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The leading Hungarians in Premier League history; The top scorer and top clean sheet holder

zoltan gera Hungary mlsz

The Premier League has received an influx of some of Hungary’s biggest talents in recent times as the nation has threatened to make a significant mark on the English top flight, as it has done so in the past.

Only 12 Hungarians have ever made an appearance in England’s first division, but some of them have made huge impacts both domestically and at the continental level. 

Here, we will look at the leading players from the Eastern European nation who have lined up for Premier League clubs since the competition’s inauguration in 1992. After all, in the coming years, their legacies could perhaps be bettered by the latest Hungarian imports. 

Zoltán Gera

Zoltán Gera managed 17 goals in his time with West Bromwich Albion and Fulham, which makes him the most prolific Hungarian in the league’s history.

Gera was a huge factor behind much greater times with his former clubs than what they are experiencing now. West Brom is now a Championship team with an outside chance of promotion this season offered at 7/2 in football bets. 

Fulham is still a top-flight team, but the Premier League odds suggest they could be pulled into a relegation battle this campaign, offered at 5/1 to face the drop. 

The club’s Gera had past allegiances with are far from disaster at this stage, although he certainly inspired superior eras when he was a key part of their setups.

 

Gera was most famously part of the Fulham team that reached the UEFA Europa League final in 2009/10. He managed six goals and four assists in Europe to help the London club to one of their greatest-ever seasons. 

He helped Fulham to eighth and ninth-placed finishes in the seasons after their remarkable European campaign. He was part of a strong squad that regularly sealed comfortable top-half finishes – a theme the club would love to replicate in the coming seasons. 

At West Brom, he was most notably a key figure in a team that secured the club’s leading all-time Premier League finish in 2012/13 as they finished eighth – he managed four goals and one assist that campaign. 

Gera is not only the leading Hungarian scorer in the league’s history, but his goals and creativity were massively influential at both of the teams he played for.

Márton Fülöp

Márton Fülöp contrastingly made his impact at the opposite end of the pitch as he earned eight clean sheets during his Premier League career, which is more than any other Hungarian goalkeeper has managed.

He played in the top division for Sunderland, Manchester City, and West Brom with his greatest abilities being showcased at the former.

In 2008/09 he played in 26 league games for the North East side – as he filled in for the injured Craig Gordon – and impressively managed six clean sheets for the relegation-threatened team. 

Sunderland avoided relegation by just two points that year, and Fülöp’s strong shot-stopping certainly helped to influence the tight margins in their favour.

He played 13 games in the following season as Gordon encountered more injury issues, but his appearances thereafter were rare as he struggled for game time on loan at Manchester City and then after a permanent switch to West Brom. 

Regardless of his short peak, Fülöp mounted a goalkeeping season in 2007/08 that no other Hungarian has produced similar to – not even the iconic Gábor Király. 

Gera and Fülöp are ultimately Hungary’s leading players in Premier League history as they both have records that stand alone and their efforts greatly influenced their team’s fortunes for the better.

Fundamentals of muscle building: what you need to know about

gym bodybuilding muscle

People who hit the gym every day know that bodybuilding is not a cakewalk and requires months of grinding to yield sustainable results. To get outstanding results, you need to stay consistently well-organized. This involves patiently following a strict exercise and diet plan, refusing temptations, and being resilient.

So, if you want to sculpt a well-developed body, you are in the right place. To get started with the muscle-gaining regimen, you need to know how your muscles work and grow. You need to combine basic nutritional foods, such as organic ashwagandha capsule, with core exercises.

Understanding Muscle Hypertrophy

To understand what muscle building is, you need to learn about an essential bodybuilding process: muscle hypertrophy. Muscle hypertrophy is an increase in the growth of muscle cells. It is a process that is fuelled by resistance training. This process is further optimized as muscles experience continual exposure to progressively overloading. As a result, there is an increase in the length and diameter of muscle fibers.

You simply need to keep pushing yourself in order to maintain the muscle hypertrophy and get past the plateau of muscle growth.

Uncovering the Fundamentals of Muscle Growth

Whether you are a beginner or a pro, there are some basic principles of muscle building that will help you reach your fitness goals faster, as explained below:

1. Eat More

Along with increasing your protein intake, you also need to maximize your calorie intake. This extra energy will be used to increase your gains after your workout. However, some people may find it difficult to increase their caloric intake as they don’t have a huge appetite. Such people can obtain extra calories from bodybuilding supplements such as gainers, or they may take energy- and nutrient-dense foods such as nut butters, seeds, yogurt, cereals, etc.

2. Do Heavy Training

If you dream of stronger muscles, heavy training should be an indispensable part of your workout routine. Doing so challenges your muscles and leads to greater muscle tears and repair, thus improving and enhancing muscle mass. To make it simple and effective, you do not need to go full-on beast mode with multiple repetitions. You can do multi-joint movements such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, etc., with just 5–6 reps of each, with more number of sets as per your strength.

3. Start Workout With a Drink

Studies have proven that having a pre-workout drink with essential amino acids and carbohydrates boosts muscle synthesis compared to skipping it. Moreover, liquid drinks are absorbed faster, optimizing your efforts for gains.

4. Increase the Duration of Muscle Tension

Along with the pretty common “progressive overload,” you also need to focus on your “time under pressure.” When you are doing resistance-training weightlifting exercises (which are done at a slower pace), your muscles are under great pressure when they reach certain angles. The aim is to increase the duration of your stance at those angles to allow your muscles to exert more pressure and pump, boosting muscle growth.

In a Nutshell

When it comes to bodybuilding, there are certain fundamental techniques that are needed to maximize your muscle strength and development. It is important to understand that you need a balanced combination of nutrition and resistance training to bulk up your muscles. Some tips that will help you are increasing your caloric intake, doing heavy training, and progressive overloading while also increasing time under pressure. These tips will help you get sustainable muscle growth.

Hungarian Olympic champion was rushed to the ER

Hungarian Olympic champion rushed to the ER

Hungarian Olympic champion Henrietta Ónodi, celebrated for her gold medal in the 1992 Barcelona Games, is battling serious health issues following a heart attack in March. After two months in rehabilitation, the former gymnast remains in critical condition, with her family rallying support to cover the overwhelming medical expenses.

Her family seeks help

VG reports that Henrietta Ónodi, a Hungarian Olympic champion and 38-time national titleholder, has faced severe health challenges after suffering a heart attack in March. Following her emergency surgery to address a near-complete blockage in her arteries, she spent the last two months in a long-term care rehabilitation hospital before a recent transfer to the emergency room. Her sister, Barbara Ónodi-Klausler, has been actively updating supporters and expressed gratitude for the nearly USD 36,000 raised through a GoFundMe campaign. The funds, donated by over 600 people, aim to help cover the exorbitant medical expenses, with a goal of reaching half a million dollars.

Hungarian Olympic champion suffers heart attack

Ónodi, who won gold in the vault at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, has been residing in the United States with her family since ending her competitive gymnastics career in 1997. The former gymnast’s health crisis began on 28 March, when she collapsed in a Florida grocery store and was rushed to the hospital. Despite her heart stopping several times during the journey, doctors were able to stabilise her condition through life-saving surgery. The Hungarian Olympic champion’s family continues to seek support to manage the high costs of her ongoing treatment. Her sister, Barbara, writes:

They started treatment at the hospital, which has made her feel somewhat better, but her pain is still significant. However, her appetite has improved and she is taking her medication properly.

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

Who will be Hungary’s top scorer in the Nations League 2024/2025?

andorra vs hungary

A good month and a half after the European Championship final in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, the Nations League starts at the beginning of September. In its fourth season, Hungary will compete in Group A3 against Germany, the Netherlands and Bosnia-Herzegovina. They will undoubtedly go into the match against the DFB team and the Oranjes as underdogs. All the more reason why individual quality will play a key role for Marco Rossi’s team. But who will be Hungary’s top scorer in the Nations League 2024/2025? We took a look at the possible candidates for you, and you can incorporate our analyses into your betting considerations. Helpful to know: SportyTrader offers an unbeatable Bet365 promo code.

Dominik Szoboszlai can always provide decisive goals

Dominik Szoboszlai is no longer the lynchpin of the Magyars’ play, but the 23-year-old could contribute a goal or two. His move from RB Leipzig to Liverpool FC in the summer of 2023 gave the team captain a further boost. None of his five goals for the Hungarian side since autumn 2023 have come at the European Championships. But his set-pieces are also highly dangerous and can always prove decisive. This is another reason why Szoboszlai is at the top of our list when it comes to the question “Who will be Hungary’s top scorer in the Nations League 2024/2025?”

Roland Sallai could therefore become Hungary’s top scorer in the 2024/2025 Nations League

Like Szoboszlai, Roland Sallai was denied a goal at Euro 2024, but he netted in the 3-0 win in the final rehearsal against Israel. After six years at SC Freiburg, the 29-year-old fast and tricky winger has recommended himself for higher tasks. That’s because he can score out of the blue. He could also benefit from the attention given to Liverpool’s Szoboszlai and capitalise on this space. His speed in transitional play against supposedly stronger opponents could also become a decisive factor.

The powerful header Martin Ádám can strike from set pieces

Martin Ádám returned to Europe after the European Championships from top South Korean club Ulsan and signed for Greek first division side Asteras Tripolis. The 29-year-old also failed to score a goal at the tournament in Germany, but his height and heading power make him a constant threat in set-piece situations. Sallai’s crosses, for example, could help him prove his heading prowess. His physicality could also be an advantage against the Netherlands’ defenders, for example. Ádám was not included in the starting line-up for any of the European Championship matches, but thanks to his qualities, he always got minutes on the pitch.

A fit Barnabás Varga is always a goal threat

We should actually have put Barnabás Varga at the top of our list in the question “Who will be Hungary’s top scorer in the Nations League 2024/2025?”. The fact that the Ferencváros attacker netted three times in June alone would have been a strong argument in favour. More specifically, the 29-year-old scored a brace in the friendly against Israel and in the 3-1 defeat to Switzerland at the European Championships. Like Ádám, Varga was also characterised by his heading ability, but this style of play led to his serious facial injury in the final group game against Scotland. Varga has since returned to training and wants to celebrate his comeback with a mask for the time being. However, it is difficult to say whether he will be ready for his first appearances in this competition.

 

Szijjártó: Hungary remains ‘global sports power’

Olympics closing ceremony, Szijjártó thanks athletes

Hungary has remained a ‘global sports power’, the foreign minister said on Facebook on Monday, adding that as a country with the 95th largest population in the world, it had finished in the 14th place at the Paris Olympic Games.

Szijjártó thanks athletes and trainers

Péter Szijjártó said on Facebook that in terms of the number of medals won in Paris, Hungary ranked sixth in Europe and “by far” the first among central European countries, adding that “countries much larger … richer and stronger are far behind.”

Szijjártó also said that the first 10-12 places at the Olympics “are usually booked by the world’s largest and strongest countries … the G7, China, Korea, and Australia – and of course Russia, if they are allowed to compete”. “The real competition starts from here,” the minister said, welcoming that “we have finished in the forefront in this competition in the company of New Zealand, Uzbekistan and Spain.”

Szijjártó noted that Hungary was one of 15 countries that had won at least 5 gold medals. “Glory at all levels,” he said, and thanked all athletes and trainers for helping the country again to “this glorious achievement”.

Hungary has won 6 gold, 7 silver, and 6 bronze medals at the Paris Games and finished in 14th place on the medal table, up from the 15th in Tokyo, positioned between Uzbekistan and Spain.

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Hungarian member of IOC: Hungary’s Olympic team ‘stood its ground’ in Paris

olympics in Hungary olimpia park Olympic team urban development

The Hungarian team at the Olympic Games in Paris has “stood its ground in a tough competition,” Balázs Fürjes, the Hungarian member of the International Olympic Committee, said on public television on Sunday.

Hungary’s Olympic team in Paris

Hungary’s athletes have won six gold, seven silver, and six bronze medals, finishing in 14th place, Fürjes told news channel M1 on the closing day of the Games.

Fürjes acknowledged the Olympic team’s performance and thanked the fans for their support in Paris. Although the Hungarian Olympic team didn’t bring home the same number of golds as earlier in sports such as canoeing and kayaking, water polo or wrestling, there were “surprises”, too, such as in Taekwondo, he said.

Noting the uproar over the opening ceremony, Fürjes said the event should have been “free of offense” and observed “mutual respect as a fundamental value”.

Fürjes said he would initiate a review of rules on equal opportunity for female athletes to ensure that competitors “with male-type chromosomes” could not compete with women “as happened in women’s boxing”.

Fürjes said he was confident that Hungary could host an Olympic event similar to that in Paris.

olympics in Hungary olimpia park Olympic team
The Olympics Park in Budapest, Hungary. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

“It would take a huge effort, but the most important thing would be the need for solidarity, which is why I am a bit sceptical,” he added.

He said “full agreement” on the matter between the Hungarian Olympic Committee, the mayor and municipal council of Budapest, the political parties, the government or the nation in general was “not yet apparent”.

“If they could come together and put aside their differences on this issue, accord could be reached and we would have a shot at hosting the next European Olympics in Hungary,” he said.

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Hungarian athletes shine on final day: A review of their Paris 2024 Olympic achievements

kristóf milák olympic games

As the last day of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games is approaching an end, let’s look at the Olympic achievements of Hungarian athletes.

On 11 August, the final day of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Hungarian athletes had chances for medals in three different sports.

Men’s water polo team

The day began with the men’s water polo team competing for bronze against the United States. The match was intensely close, with Hungary leading by two goals in the final quarter. The game ended 8-8, and after a penalty shootout, the US triumphed 11-8, with none of Hungary’s three penalty attempts succeeding. This result left Hungary in fourth place, Telex reports.

Ismail Musukaev

In wrestling, Ismail Musukaev, Hungary’s nationalised athlete, contested the bronze medal match in the 65kg freestyle category. Despite a significant 12-6 deficit, Musukaev mounted a dramatic comeback in the closing seconds. However, after a video review, the Albanian wrestler Islam Dudaev was awarded the win, leaving Musukaev in fifth place, matching his Tokyo 2020 result.

Blanka Guzi and Michelle Gulyás

michelle gulyás gold medal paris
Michelle Gulyás. Photo: MTI/Czeglédi Zsolt

The modern pentathlon wrapped up the Hungarian campaign at the Games. Blanka Guzi and Michelle Gulyás started their laser run just before 1 PM. Gulyás delivered an outstanding performance in both the semi-finals and finals, setting herself up with a second-place finish in fencing. She began the final combined event in second place but took the lead after the first shooting round and held on to win the gold medal. Guzi finished in fourth place, improving significantly from her 13th-place start.

Overall medals

Overall, Hungary’s performance in Paris resulted in 6 gold, 7 silver, and 6 bronze medals, just one bronze short of equalling their Tokyo tally. The team ended up in 14th place on the medal table, up from 15th in Tokyo, positioned between Uzbekistan (13th) and Spain (15th). A double-digit gold medal count was necessary to make it into the top 10 again this year.

Gold medallists:

kristóf milák
Kristóf Milák. Photo: MTI/Illyés Tibor

Silver medallists:

Bronze medallists:

4th place finishers:

  • Tibor Andrásfi (Épée, Individual)
  • Nándor Németh (Swimming, 100m Freestyle)
  • Attila Valter (Road cycling, Men’s road race)
  • Blanka Vas (Road cycling, Women’s road race)
  • Dávid Betlehem (Swimming, 1500m freestyle)
  • Jonatán Vadnai (Sailing, ILCA 7)
  • Ágnes Kiss, Bianka Nagy (Canoe-Kayak, Women’s C-2 500m)
  • Men’s water polo team – Dániel Angyal, Márk Bányai, Gergő Fekete, Balázs Hárai, Szilárd Jansik, Krisztián Manhercz, Erik Molnár, Ádám Nagy, Dénes Varga, Márton Vámos, Vince Vigvári, Soma Vogel, Gergő Zalánki
  • Blanka Guzi (Modern pentathlon)

5th place finishers:

  • Réka Pupp (Judo, 52kg)
  • Richárd Kovács (Boxing, 63.5kg)
  • Luca Hámori (Boxing, 66kg)
  • Bettina Fábián (Open water swimming, Women’s 10km)
  • Dávid Losonczi (Wrestling, Greco-roman, 87kg)
  • Women’s water polo team – Alda Magyari, Dorottya Szilágyi, Vanda Vályi, Gréta Gurisatti, Geraldine Mahieu, Rebecca Parkes, Brigitta Horváth, Rita Keszthelyi, Dóra Leimeter, Natasa Rybanska, Kamilla Faragó, Krisztina Garda, Boglárka Neszmély
  • Ismail Musukaev (Wrestling, Freestyle, 65kg)

6th place finishers:

  • Women’s 4x200m freestyle relay – Nikolett Pádár, Minna Ábrahám, Ajna Késely, Panna Ugrai (Swimming)
  • Women’s sabre team – Anna Márton, Luca Szűcs, Liza Pusztai, Sugár Battai
  • Women’s handball team – Anna Albek, Blanka Böde-Bíró, Réka Bordás, Kinga Debreczeni-Klivinyi, Petra Füzi-Tóvizi, Viktória Győri-Lukács, Kinga Janurik, Gréta Kácsor, Katrin Klujber, Csenge Kuczora, Gréta Márton, Nikoletta Papp, Noémi Pásztor, Petra Simon, Zsófia Szemerey, Nadine Szöllősi-Schatzl, Petra Vámos
  • Balázs Adolf, Jonatán Hajdu (Canoe-Kayak, Men’s C-2 500m)
  • Alida Dóra Gazsó (Canoe-Kayak, Women’s K-1 500m)

Congratulations and thank you, Hungarian athletes!

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Paris wonder: 18-year-old Viviána Márton wins Hungary’s 1st Olympic gold in taekwondo!

viviána márton olympic gold taekwondo

In her first-ever Olympic appearance, 18-year-old Viviána Márton secured a historic gold medal for Hungary in taekwondo. Competing with remarkable confidence and strategy throughout the day, Márton defeated top-ranked opponents to reach the final, where she faced Serbia’s Aleksandra Perišić, a former world silver medalist and European champion.

Viviána Márton, a national hero

viviána márton olympic gold taekwondo
Photo: MTI/Illyés Tibor

Márton dominated the final match, taking an early lead and never looking back. She outmanoeuvred her opponent with precise kicks and excellent defence, ultimately winning the match with a score of 7-1 in the first round and maintaining her advantage in the second round, Telex reports.

After her victory, Márton celebrated by dancing in front of the cheering crowd, expressing her gratitude for their support. Reflecting on her achievement, she credited her success to her rigorous training and the support of her twin sister, Luána, who she says played a crucial role in her journey.

Márton’s gold medal marks the first-ever Olympic taekwondo title for Hungary,

making her a national hero at just 18 years old.

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