Hungarian Olympic Champion Agnes Keleti Hospitalized in Critical Condition
Ágnes Keleti, the world’s oldest ever Olympic champion and a true inspiration for all Hungarians, has been hospitalized due to respiratory difficulties and heart failure. As reported by Nemzeti Sport, Hungary’s main sports magazine, additional details about her condition have been shared by a source close to the athlete’s family.
According to reports, Keleti’s state is critical and she was admitted to Budapest’s Honvédkórház (Military Hospital Medical Centre) on Wednesday. However, there is hope for her total recovery as she is now in a better condition.
Rafael Bíró-Keleti, the younger son of the Hungarian Olympic champion, explained that Ágnes Keleti developed pneumonia which worsened by Wednesday. Doctors initially gave her little chance of survival due to blocked trachea caused by phlegm. Fortunately, the medical team was able to clear the obstruction, allowing her to breathe and even smile again.
Keleti, who is set to celebrate her 104th birthday on January 9th, is known as the most successful Hungarian gymnast and a Holocaust survivor. After losing her father in 1944, she, her sister, and mother were the only survivors of the death camps. Keleti went on to achieve great success in gymnastics, winning multiple medals in the Olympics and World Championships.
Despite facing challenges, including the Soviet clash during the Hungarian revolution in 1956, Keleti continued to inspire others with her resilience. After settling in Australia and later in Israel, she became a coach and played a significant role in developing gymnastics in these countries.
As we wait for updates on Ágnes Keleti’s recovery, our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family. We hope she will be able to celebrate her 104th birthday surrounded by loved ones, reflecting on a life filled with remarkable achievements and unwavering strength.
