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Countess Vilma Hugonnai de Szentgyörgy was the first Hungarian woman medical doctor. Despite facing discrimination and obstacles in her career, Vilma’s unwavering determination paved the way for future generations of women in the field of medicine. Her legacy can still be felt today, and she was honored with an asteroid named in her memory.
Gisella Perl, a Hungarian Jewish gynecologist, faced unimaginable challenges during the Holocaust, working as an inmate gynecologist in Auschwitz. Despite limited resources, she performed countless abortions to save pregnant women from further suffering. After the war, Perl settled in New York City, where she became a renowned specialist in infertility treatment. Her memoir, “I Was a Doctor in Auschwitz,” provided a personal account of the atrocities witnessed and the resilience of survivors. Perl’s unwavering commitment to helping others serves as an enduring inspiration.
Katalin Balázsi is a Slovakia-born Hungarian material scientist and the head of the Thin Film Physics department. She has made significant contributions to electron microscopy and the characterization of nanomaterial structures. Balázsi co-founded the Association of Hungarian Women in Science, advocating for greater representation and opportunities for women in science. Her work and dedication continue to shape the scientific community and impact women’s history.
Emese Judit Szász, born in 1982 in Budapest, Hungary, is a renowned Hungarian fencer known for her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. From a young age, Szász displayed a passion for sports, eventually finding her calling in fencing at the age of 10. She has achieved numerous accomplishments throughout her career, including silver and bronze medals at Junior European Championships, a third-place finish at World Championships, and impressive performances at various international competitions. Szász’s talent and hard work have brought honor and acclaim to both herself and her country.
Éva Székely was a Hungarian swimmer who defied expectations and left an indelible mark on the sport. Overcoming discrimination and the horrors of the Holocaust, she became one of Hungary’s greatest athletes. With numerous medals, world records, and prestigious awards, her exceptional journey continues to inspire athletes around the world.
Klára Dán von Neumann, a Hungarian-American mathematician and computer scientist, was a pioneer in computer programming. She made significant contributions to the field, including programming the MANIAC I machine. Klára’s work on translating mathematical instructions into a computer language was crucial for its successful operation. Despite her groundbreaking achievements, she did not receive any official awards or recognitions.
Valéria Dienes (25 May 1879 – 8 June 1978) was a Hungarian philosopher, dancer, dance instructor, choreographer, and one of the first Hungarian women to graduate from university. She is widely considered to be one of the most important Hungarian theorists on movement. Valéria’s innovative approach to teaching eurythmics and her contributions to the field of movement theory left a lasting impact on Hungary. She received the Baumgarten Prize in 1934 for her significant contributions and innovative teaching methods in eurythmics.
Bojana Radulović, born on March 23, 1973, is a retired Serbian-Hungarian handball player who is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time. Known for her exceptional skills and achievements, she has left an indelible mark on the sport of handball.
Ildikó Rejtő, a retired Hungarian foil fencer, overcame adversity and achieved remarkable success in her career. Despite being born into a Jewish family during World War II and facing the challenge of being deaf, she pursued her passion for fencing. With determination and dedication, Rejtő became a two-time Olympic champion and a five-time World Champion, leaving a lasting impact on women’s sports history.
Krisztina Egerszegi is a Hungarian former world record-holding swimmer and one of the greatest Hungarian Olympic champions of the modern era. Her achievements in the sport of swimming have left an indelible mark on the history of Hungarian and international swimming.
Andrea Gyarmati, born in Budapest, Hungary in 1954, followed in her parents’ Olympic footsteps to become a standout swimmer. Competing in multiple events at the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games, Gyarmati’s notable achievements include winning a silver medal in the 100-meter backstroke and a bronze medal in the 100-meter butterfly in 1972. Her dedication to the sport, numerous national championships, and world records have made her an inspiration for swimmers worldwide.
Gyöngyi Likerecz, a Hungarian female weightlifter, has made a significant impact in the world of sports. Her remarkable flexibility and muscular strength have allowed her to excel in weightlifting competitions. Likerecz has achieved numerous prestigious titles and honors throughout her career, including being the first Hungarian weightlifter to secure three gold medals at the World Championships. Her dedication and exceptional accomplishments have left a lasting legacy in the sport.
Gabriella Kotsis is a Hungarian indoor volleyball coach who has made a significant impact on the sport. She is one of only two women volleyball coaches to lead teams at multiple Olympics. Kotsis coached Hungary at the 1972, 1976, and 1980 Olympic Games, solidifying her place in the history of the game.
Anna Sipos, a Hungarian international table tennis player, had a brilliant career and won a total of 21 medals in the World Table Tennis Championships, including eleven gold. Her remarkable six consecutive women’s doubles wins displayed her extraordinary teamwork and determination. Sipos was not only a dominant force in the sport but also a trailblazer as a Jewish athlete, overcoming challenges and breaking stereotypes. Her legacy as an icon in women’s sports history will always be remembered.
Sára Salkaházi, a Hungarian Catholic religious sister, risked her life to save approximately one hundred Jews during World War II. She was tragically executed by the pro-Nazi Arrow Cross Party, but her heroic actions were recognized when she was beatified in 2006. Sára’s story serves as a powerful reminder of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
Margit Slachta was a Hungarian nun, social activist, politician, and member of parliament of the Kingdom of Hungary. She became the first woman to be elected to the Diet of Hungary in 1920 and founded the Sisters of Social Service in 1923. Slachta dedicated her life to social justice, advocating for women’s rights, and providing assistance to the persecuted, making her an influential figure in Hungarian history.
Vilma Glücklich (1872–1927) was a Hungarian educational reformer, pacifist, and women’s rights activist. She played a crucial role in advancing the cause of women’s rights and education in Hungary during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Glücklich’s pioneering efforts in higher education for women and her tireless advocacy for gender equality left a lasting impact on Hungarian society.
Countess Blanka Teleki de Szék was a Hungarian noblewoman, educator, and women’s rights activist. She founded a school for girls in Budapest in 1846 and became the first woman in Hungary to sign a petition demanding equal rights for both men and women during the Revolution of 1848. Despite facing imprisonment for her involvement, Blanka’s dedication to women’s rights made her an influential figure in Hungarian society.
Hungarian-born Rosika Schwimmer was a pacifist, feminist, and suffragist. Her radical vision of world peace led to the creation of several world federalist movements and organizations, with her efforts instrumental in the establishment of the International Criminal Court. Despite facing challenges and becoming stateless, Schwimmer remained steadfast in her pursuit of a more peaceful and equal world.
Lily Kronberger, Hungary’s first World Champion figure skater, captivated audiences with her technical skill and artistic flair. Her groundbreaking performances and consecutive gold medals solidified her status as a pioneer in the sport. Kronberger’s legacy as a trailblazer for Hungarian figure skating continues to inspire future generations of athletes.
Ilona Elek, one of the greatest female fencers in history, overcame significant obstacles to achieve remarkable success. She became the first woman to win two Olympic gold medals in the individual foil competition and secured numerous international titles throughout her career. Elek’s legacy as an accomplished and influential female fencer continues to inspire athletes today.
Danuta Kozák is a legendary Hungarian sprint canoeist who has become one of the most celebrated and successful athletes in the world of canoeing. Her remarkable career includes winning multiple gold medals at the Olympics and numerous championships. Kozák’s contributions to the sport and her historic achievements have elevated women’s sports and left an enduring legacy in the world of sports.
Natasa Dusev-Janics, born on June 24, 1982, is a Hungarian sprint canoer who has left an indelible mark on the sport. She began competing for Hungary in 2001 and has since won a remarkable six Olympic medals in the sprint canoe events. However, her journey to become one of the most successful athletes in her discipline had its roots in Serbia. Natasa grew up in Serbia and initially competed for FR Yugoslavia at the 2000 Summer Olympics. She comes from a family of canoers, with her father Milan Jani? winning a silver medal for Yugoslavia in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Rita Kőbán is a Hungarian sprint canoer who had an illustrious career. She competed in four consecutive Olympic Games and amassed an impressive collection of six medals, including two golds. In addition to her Olympic success, Kőbán also won 26 medals in the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships. She was a trailblazer for women in sports and continues to be an advocate for women’s participation in athletics.
Katalin Kovács, born in Hungary in 1976, is a celebrated sprint canoeist known for her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. She has achieved remarkable success throughout her career, winning numerous medals in both the Olympics and the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships. Kovács has also made significant contributions to women’s sports and has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for her outstanding achievements.
Ágnes Kovács, born on July 13, 1981, in Budapest, is a Hungarian swimmer who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Competing at the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics, Kovács showcased her exceptional talent and became a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes around the world.
Valéria Gyenge, born in Hungary in 1933, became one of the most successful swimmers of her time. She won a gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle event at the 1952 Summer Olympics, solidifying her status as a national symbol of pride. Gyenge shattered multiple world records and earned 23 Hungarian national records throughout her career, leaving an enduring legacy in the sport.
Ibolya Csák (6 January 1915 – 9 February 2006) was a Hungarian athlete who made a significant impact in the field of high jump during the 1930s. She is best known as the winner of the women’s high jump at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where she displayed remarkable skill and determination.
Mária Mednyánszky, born in Budapest, Hungary in 1901, was the first official women’s world champion in table tennis. With an impressive career that saw her win 18 world titles and dominate the sport for several years, Mednyánszky’s contributions to table tennis extended beyond personal success. She served as a trailblazer for women in the sport, inspiring future generations of female players. Her remarkable achievements were recognized with the Golden Order of the Hungarian People’s Republic in 1976.
Monica Seles is a former world No. 1 tennis player who won nine major singles titles, eight of them as a teenager while representing Yugoslavia. Known for her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive playing style, Seles revolutionized the women’s game. Despite a traumatic attack in 1993, she made a brave comeback and continued to inspire tennis fans around the world. Seles left a lasting impact on the sport and is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Henrietta Ónodi is a Hungarian artistic gymnast known for her unique style and power on vaulting and floor exercise. She made her international debut in 1986 and became the first female Hungarian gymnast to win a medal at the European Championships in 1989. At the 1992 Olympics, Ónodi became the first Hungarian gymnast in over 30 years to win an Olympic gold medal. She was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2010.
Olga Tass, a Hungarian gymnast, made a lasting impact on the world of gymnastics. With an impressive Olympic career that spanned four editions, she showcased her exceptional skills and versatility. Her legacy lives on as she was posthumously inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2021, inspiring future generations of gymnasts.