Speech by Dr. Tamás Sulyok at the awards ceremony in honour of Hungary’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes

2024 September 26. 21:09 |Speeches

Submitted by Sándor-palotaon September 26, 2024

"I didn't feel the horrible, bone-chilling cold of the water; I just had the goal in front of me, which I wanted to achieve with all my physical and mental strength. I didn't even notice that the rope anchored in the water was chafing my chest and that the ever-louder noise of the spectators was a sign that we had swum to the finish.
In the din, words could be made out, shouting 'Zito i Ungheria!' and our flag was hoisted majestically on the highest mast of the race judges' boat.
The orchestra started the Austrian national anthem, but it stopped after the first bars. In the silence that followed, the Hungarian anthem was sung from the lips of a few. Victory! Victory!"

This is how Alfréd Hajós, the first Hungarian Olympic champion, recalled his historic victory.

Dear President Schmitt!

Dear Prime Minister, Dear Speaker! Ladies and Gentlemen!

It is with deep appreciation and love that I salute the Olympians, Paralympians and their coaches who have brought glory to their country and immense pride to Hungarian communities around the world!
When big countries throw the ball at each other, from the very beginning there is one nation that can always stay on the pitch, earning itself a place in the rankings.
Its members overtake and surpass the sons and daughters of successful nations, proving time and time again the excellence of the Hungarians.

The first Hungarian champion started the line, set the example, and generations of sporting stars have followed. Citius, altius, fortius! Faster and faster, stronger and stronger, higher and higher!

Many believe that we are a nation exceptionally talented in sports. I do not argue with this statement, as all signs point to it being true. However, I don't think that our sports successes can be attributed to this reason alone, or that this is the sole reason why we are among the most successful Olympic nations in the world.

There has to be an inner drive that gets our best people to the finish line. Something that matures from the cradle onwards and shapes us invisibly.

Perhaps it is our lack of kinship that has destined us not to rely on others in our struggles, but to act ourselves. Perhaps it is our turbulent history that has taught us to remain standing, no matter what. Perhaps the strength of our communities gives us resilience in our struggles because we know we are not fighting just for ourselves. Or perhaps the Hungarian heart is made in such a way that it can only find peace after reaching its goal, tirelessly driving us forward until we achieve it.

It is as if a combination of inherited fighting skills and perseverance in all circumstances is what keeps us winning. As if to prove that it is not only the goods we earned, but also the struggles we have taken up that make us great. We are inspired not only by the knowledge of what we are, but also what we can become.

Becoming a champion and reaching the finish line is not a matter of a moment. It requires years, often decades, of perseverance. The struggle to reach the goal is long-term, hard work; it's not about a single race, but a series of competitions and countless training sessions.

I therefore thank our Olympians, Paralympians and their sports coaches not only for the exhilarating moment of crossing the finish line, but also for the years of commitment with which they have fought.
Ladies and Gentlemen!

"Zito i Ungheria!", which in Greek means: long live Hungary! This was the cry heard almost a hundred and thirty years ago in Greece at the first Hungarian Olympic victory. It was perhaps from this cry that Alfred Hajós knew that he had triumphed. At first, they didn't celebrate him, but Hungary. Yet, it was because of his victory.

It must be an exhilarating feeling to see the Hungarian homeland praised for our individual struggle. Few people have that chance. Apart from the greatest men and women of our history, perhaps only the champions experience it.
It's when we experience such solemn moments that we say it's good to be Hungarian. But I believe that there are countless reasons why it is good to be Hungarian, and some of them we cannot even explain, because we don't have to, they come from within and are self-evident. But one thing is certain: what our Olympians and Paralympians give us adds a lot to this feeling.

After all, who among us could forget Kristóf Rasovszky and Dávid Betlehem crossing the finish line, the brotherly joy of the two of them on the podium? Or the winning touch of our épée fencers? The national memory will forever hold Zsófia Konkoly's incredible final sprint, Veronika Majer's composure, and Viviana Márton's brilliant march to the gold medal. And who among us wouldn't feel proud watching the honourable fight of Csanád Gémesi? Who wouldn't be moved by Fanni Illés's genuine joy at her rival's success or her own silver medal, knowing that in her personal struggle, it shines like gold?

For victory can blind, and the winner can become dazed. But pride comes only from the human greatness that comes from struggle and honour, from daily effort and human stature. It is only this attitude that serves as an example that we are willing to follow.

The Hungarian soul, ladies and gentlemen, is admirable not only in that it is faster, stronger and higher, but also in that it is nobler.

Dear Olympians and Paralympians!

You passed both a test of strength and character. And you proved yourselves in both. That is how you became our role models.

On behalf of every Hungarian, I sincerely thank you for your individual efforts, which allowed us to hear "God bless the Hungarians" ring out eleven times in Paris!

Congratulations on your awards, and I wish you continued success both in your personal lives and professional careers!

Thank you for your attention!

(Budapest, 26 September 2024)