At 103 years old, Agnes Keleti, the world’s oldest living Olympic champion, remains a vibrant symbol of strength and resilience. Her enduring spirit continues to captivate new generations as she cheers for athletes at every event in Paris.
Keleti’s life is a testament to dedication and perseverance. Each gleaming trophy and medal she earned represents moments of glory and countless hours of commitment. “Sports offered me lifelong benefits that extended far beyond just the game itself,” she reflects.
Not only is Keleti the world’s oldest living Olympic champion, but she is also Hungary’s greatest Olympic gymnast, boasting a remarkable total of 10 medals, including five golds.
“She is a symbol of the Olympian ethic and the idea that sportsmen and women can become models for many people to follow,” says Samu Szemerey, curator of the Olympic Exhibit in Budapest.
Born in 1921, Keleti faced immense challenges. World War II robbed her of her prime years; being Jewish meant she faced even greater dangers. Forced into hiding during the war—while her father and other relatives were killed at Auschwitz—she emerged with unwavering determination.
After the war, Keleti returned to competition. Although an injury prevented her from participating in the 1948 Olympics in London, she made her mark at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Despite being in her thirties, she dazzled audiences with her performances, earning gold in floor exercise, silver in the team all-around event, and two bronzes on the uneven bars and in the team portable apparatus event.
Her success continued at the 1954 World Championships in Rome, setting the stage for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. There, Keleti seized her chance for greater visibility. With her performances broadcast on television to a growing global audience, she left a lasting impact on world gymnastics. She won six medals in Melbourne—four golds and two silvers—becoming a legend at the age of 35.
No wonder Keleti’s name still shines today in Budapest, inspiring millions. “Nations gather around sports, especially the Olympics, as a space where togetherness and fair competitions are the most important things,” notes Szemerey.
As she watches the Games today, Keleti reminds us of the Olympics’ greater purpose: uniting people, especially during global turmoil. “When the world unites for the Olympics,” she says, “it sends a powerful message—together, we are stronger against darkness.” She believes this generation of athletes has the power to bring light to the world.
Meanwhile, Keleti and her son, Raphael, continue to support Team Hungary. “Compared to the size of the country, they excel in a lot of sports, and I hope they come back with lots of medals,” says Raphael.
Watching the Paris Olympics unfold, Keleti sees it as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Games and their power to unite and inspire us all.
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The oldest Olympic winner's lifelong legacy of strength and resilience
cgtn.com
