Born: 1927 (Budapest, Hungary)
Died: 2020
Biography:
Éva Székely (3 April 1927 – 29 February 2020) was a Hungarian swimmer who left an indelible mark on the sport. Throughout her career, she displayed exceptional talent, triumphing over adversity and defying expectations. Her perseverance, remarkable achievements, and groundbreaking records have cemented her legacy as one of Hungary’s greatest athletes and an inspiration to many.
Born in Budapest, Hungary, Székely was raised in a multicultural family. Her mother was Orthodox Jewish from Upper Hungary, while her father was a Székeler (Transylvanian Magyar). From a young age, she exhibited a natural affinity for swimming, joining a local swim team and competing passionately. In 1941, at the age of 14, she set a national speed record, despite facing discrimination as a Jewish athlete and being on the cusp of being disqualified due to her religion.
Tragedy struck during World War II when Székely, a teenager at the time, endured the horrors of the Holocaust. However, her reputation as a formidable swimmer afforded her some protection, helping her survive this dark period. She spent the final days of the war in a crowded safe-house in Budapest, tirelessly running up and down five flights of stairs to maintain her physical fitness and health.
Fate smiled upon Székely when she met her future husband, Dezső Gyarmati, an accomplished Olympic water polo champion. They tied the knot shortly after World War II ended. The couple’s daughter, Andrea Gyarmati, was also destined for greatness in the world of swimming and became a celebrated backstroke and butterfly swimmer in her own right, winning two Olympic medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.
Székely’s prowess in the pool extended beyond national boundaries. She claimed an impressive three gold medals at the 1947 World University Games and followed up with five more golds at the 1951 World University Championships. These victories showcased her exceptional talent and served as a springboard for even greater achievements.
Éva Székely reached the pinnacle of her career at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, where she etched her name into history. She secured a gold medal in the 200-meter breaststroke, setting a new Olympic record along the way. Four years later, at the 1956 Summer Olympics, she added a silver medal to her collection, further solidifying her reputation as an elite athlete on the world stage.
Throughout her career, Székely set a remarkable six world records and earned an astounding total of 44 national titles. In 1953, she became the holder of the first-ever world record in the 400 m individual medley, demonstrating her exceptional versatility and skill across multiple disciplines.
After retiring from competitive swimming, Székely transitioned into coaching, sharing her knowledge and expertise with aspiring swimmers, including her daughter. In addition to her coaching endeavors, she pursued a career as a pharmacist, highlighting her dedication to both sports and healthcare.
Recognition for Székely’s extraordinary contributions to swimming came in the form of numerous prestigious awards. In 1976, she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame, solidifying her place among the sport’s all-time greats. In 2004, she was honored as one of Hungary’s Athletes of the Nation, underscoring her importance to her homeland’s sporting heritage. Additionally, in 2011, Székely received the Prima Primissima award, a testament to her lasting legacy in the realm of sports.
Éva Székely’s exceptional journey and groundbreaking achievements have left an enduring impact on the world of swimming and continue to inspire athletes to this day. Her resilience, determination, and triumph over adversity make her an icon not only in Hungarian sports but also in women’s history and the global pursuit of excellence.
Awards:
– Gold medal, 200-meter breaststroke, 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki
– Silver medal, 1956 Summer Olympics
– Three gold medals, 1947 World University Games
– Five gold medals, 1951 World University Championship
– Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1976
– Named one of Hungary’s Athletes of the Nation in 2004
– Received the Prima Primissima award in 2011
– Inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.