Born: 1937 (Budapest, Hungary)
Biography:
Ildikó Rejtő, also known as Györgyné Sági, formerly Jenőné Újlaky, was born on May 11, 1937, in Budapest, Hungary. She is a retired Hungarian foil fencer who achieved remarkable success, becoming a two-time Olympic champion and a five-time World Champion.
Rejtő was born into a Jewish family, and despite the dark times during World War II, she managed to pursue her passion for fencing. However, she faced an additional challenge as she was born deaf. In her early years, Rejtő also developed scoliosis, a condition that affected her back. In an effort to help straighten her spine, her father made the decision to enroll her in fencing lessons. This decision would prove to be life-changing for Rejtő.
Determined to overcome her deafness, Rejtő started her fencing career at the age of 15. Unable to rely on auditory cues like her peers, she learned by reading written instructions from her coaches. With incredible focus and dedication, she quickly excelled in the sport.
One of Rejtő’s early notable achievements was winning the junior girls’ world foil championship in 1956-57. In 1958, she became the Hungarian women’s foil champion, showcasing her growing talent and potential.
Rejtő’s success continued to soar, and she was celebrated as the Hungarian Sportswoman of the Year in both 1963 and 1964. Representing Hungary, she participated in every Olympic Games from 1960 to 1976, cementing her status as one of the greatest fencers of her time. Throughout her Olympic career, Rejtő earned an impressive total of seven medals, including two golds, three silvers, and two bronzes.
At the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Rejtő won a team silver medal in women’s foil at the age of 23. Four years later, at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, she had a golden year, winning both an individual and a team gold medal in women’s foil. Her achievements continued at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, where she secured an individual bronze medal and a team silver medal in women’s foil. In 1972, at the Olympics in Munich, Rejtő added another team silver medal to her collection. Finally, at the age of 39, she won a team bronze medal in women’s foil at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.
In addition to her Olympic success, Rejtő also dominated the World Fencing Championships. She won the individual foil title in 1963, becoming an undisputed champion in her discipline. Furthermore, Rejtő was a pivotal member of the Hungarian team, earning team foil World Championships titles in 1962, 1967, and 1973.
Even as a senior athlete, Rejtő continued to showcase her exceptional skills. In 1999, she emerged victorious in the women’s foil competition at the World Veterans Championships.
Rejtő’s phenomenal achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored for her contributions to the world of sports and was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
Ildikó Rejtő’s inspiring journey as a deaf athlete and a dominant force in fencing serves as a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering passion for the sport. Her legacy as a multiple Olympic and World Champion has undeniably left a lasting impact in women’s sports history.
Awards:
– Hungarian Sportswoman of the Year (1963, 1964)
– Olympic Gold Medal (Individual Foil, Team Foil – 1964)
– Olympic Silver Medal (Team Foil – 1960, 1968, 1972)
– Olympic Bronze Medal (Individual Foil, Team Foil – 1976)
– World Fencing Championships Gold Medal (Individual Foil – 1963)
– World Fencing Championships Gold Medal (Team Foil – 1962, 1967, 1973)
– Women’s Foil World Veterans Championships Gold Medal (1999)
Note: The biography provided is based on the available data and additional information about Ildikó Újlaky-Rejtő.