Imre Földi elected “Athlete of the Nation” in Hungary
It is an elite group of 12 of Hungary’s most prominent sportsmen and sportswomen who may bear the proud title of "Athlete of the Nation". Replacing Ferenc Puskás, who died recently, Imre FÖLDI was elected as the 12th member. Since Hungary boasts dozens of multiple Olympic, world and European champions and athletes of great merit, it is an extreme honour for anyone to be elevated to this rank in the country.
Imre Földi was the first in weightlifting to have participated in 5 Olympic Games from 1960 to 1972, reaching the peak, the Olympic gold medal in 1972 Munich but returning with a medal or a rank in the top six from each Games. He was and still is a role model for Hungarian youth with his persistence, hard work and great sportsmanship. He coached his daughter Csilla Földi, 16-fold European champion weightlifter, member of Hungary’s first women’s weightlifting team.
Imre Földi receives congratulations from IWF President Dr. Tamás Aján
Photo: Károly Jocha