Born: 1936 (Timișoara, Romania)
Died: 2016
Biography:
Iolanda Balaș (1936-2016) was a Romanian athlete and one of the greatest high jumpers of the twentieth century. She was the first Romanian woman to win an Olympic gold medal and held the world record in the high jump. Born on December 12, 1936, in Timișoara, Romania, Balaș came from a family of Hungarian descent. Her mother, Etel Bozó, was a homemaker, while her father, Frigyes, was a locksmith and served in the Hungarian army.
Balaș’s athletic career began thanks to her caretaker, Luisa Ernst, who was a retired high jumper herself. In 1953, Balaș joined the CCA (CSA Steaua) club, transferring from her previous club in Timișoara. She displayed immense talent and dedication, which led to her competing in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where she finished fifth.
However, it was at the Rome Olympics in 1960 that Balaș made history. She became the first Romanian woman to win an Olympic gold medal, cementing her reputation as a high jump champion. Four years later, at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, Balaș once again clinched the gold medal, despite competing with a torn tendon. Unfortunately, this injury would force her to withdraw from the 1966 European Championships.
Balaș’s career was remarkable for her incredible consistency. Between 1957 and 1966, she won an astonishing 154 consecutive competitions. During this time, she also shattered the world record in the high jump 14 times, starting from 1.75 meters and ultimately reaching 1.91 meters. She was also the first woman to clear the six feet mark. Balaș’s technique, known as the scissors technique, was an advanced and refined version of the traditional style.
Her record-breaking jump of 1.91 meters, set in 1961, remained unbeaten until the end of 1971. It took the emergence of jumpers utilizing more efficient techniques, such as the straddle technique and later the Fosbury flop, to surpass her mark. Balaș’s achievements not only pushed the boundaries of what was possible in women’s high jump but also inspired countless athletes to strive for excellence.
Balaș’s career path was not without its challenges. Despite her Hungarian background, Balaș was unable to represent Hungary in international competitions due to political circumstances. She had tried to reunite her family and move to Hungary, but restrictive travel policies prevented her departure from Romania. Despite these obstacles, she remained dedicated to representing herself and making her nation proud.
Balaș’s impact on society and women’s sports cannot be overstated. Her achievements as an Olympic gold medalist and world record holder brought unprecedented recognition to Romanian athletics. Additionally, she served as a role model for aspiring athletes, particularly women, who saw in her the epitome of dedication, perseverance, and success.
Iolanda Balaș’s legacy lives on as one of the greatest high jumpers of all time. Her remarkable career, characterized by consistent victories and world records, has left an indelible mark on the history of athletics. With her unwavering determination and passion for the sport, Balaș will always be remembered as a true icon in the world of women’s high jump.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medalist in high jump at the Rome Olympics in 1960 and the Tokyo Olympics in 1964.