Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has presented awards to Hungarian athletes who won medals at the 23rd Winter Olympic Games.
The prime minister was joined by President of Hungary János Áder and Speaker of Parliament László Kövér in the Parliament Building on Thursday as he handed out decorations to the athletes.
“There are some who believe that obstacles are there to be overcome, who say let me play the lion too. The ideal of the Olympics is about them, about you. Faster, higher, stronger! Victory and success are never granted to us Hungarians for free. It requires faith, courage and determination. This is the Hungarian do and dare with which, thanks to you, the whole world has had the privilege of becoming reacquainted,” the prime minister said.
During his speech at the ceremony, the prime minister said the athletes had not only achieved an unparalleled success for Hungary, but have also increased the country’s reputation in the world at large. “An athlete at the Olympic Games is always also an ambassador of the country they represent. And you did an excellent job of that,” he said.
He added that the sensational success of speed skating sport was achieved because the athletes believed in it and worked hard for it. Everyone made their own contribution, added their own experience and professional skills, and took their share of risks.
PM Orbán pointed out that in recent years Hungarians have achieved outstanding results in sports, the arts and science alike, and it is well worth pursuing this path towards being among the world’s frontrunners.
The Silver Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit (civil class) was conferred upon short track speed skaters Sára Luca Bácskai, Bernadett Heidum, Petra Jászapáti, Andrea Keszler and Zsófia Kónya who came fourth in their event.
The Officer’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit (civil class) was given to Ákos Bánhidi, coach of the national team and team manager of the Hungarian Olympic short track speed skating team, and to Jing Zhang, head coach of the Hungarian Olympic short track speed skating team.
The Officer’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit (civil class) was also conferred upon short track speed skaters Csaba Burján, Viktor Knoch, Shaoang Liu and Sándor Shaolin Liu “in recognition of their Olympic title, which is a landmark event in Hungarian sports history, and of their other outstanding results”.