Among the competitors are earlier winners who bring their experiences from London 2012: gold medalist swimmer Tamás Sors, gold medalist table tennis player Péter Pálos, and bronze medalist wheelchair fencer Zsuzsanna Krajnyák. Like Hungary’s Olympic team with traditional depth and results in fencing, judo and swimming squads, the Paralympic team shines in these disciplines as well, and we’re rooting for some strong showings in 2016.
Those competing in the Paralympics in Rio for the first time include Zsófia Konkoly just 14 years old, who placed sixth in the 400-meter freestyle; Réka Kézdi, who took fourth in the butterfly; Nikolett Szabó, who just missed a bronze in her medal match in judo; and Péter Boronkay, who finished an impressive tenth in the triathlon, which was won by Andy Lewis of the UK.
So far Hungary has sealed eight podium finishes. In swimming, Bianka Pap won silver in the 100m S10 backstroke, and bronze in the 200m SM10 individual medley. Tamás Sors took a silver medal in the 200m SM9 individual medley. And Tamás Tóth powered to bronze in the 100m S9 freestyle. In table tennis, András Csoka took silver in class 8 singles, and Péter Pálos took bronze in class 11 singles. In wheelchair fencing, Richárd Osváth captured silver in the sabre. Zsuzsanna Krajnyák advanced to the bronze medal match in wheelchair fencing but did not manage to defend her medal from London after a day facing tough competitors. In powerlifting, the 28-year-old Nándor Tunkel lifted 155 kilograms for bronze in the under 49kg category.
Hungary made its debut at Heidelberg in 1972 and has won 123 medals (29 gold, 40 silver and 54 bronze) from nine Games. Just as in the games last month, our inspiring athletes at the Paralympics this month show the world again that we are an Olympic nation.
Stay tuned here for more developments from Rio.