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Alfred HayoshHungarian architect and swimmer
Date of Birth: 01.02.1878
Country:  Hungary |
Content:
Biography of Alfred Hajos
Alfred Hajos was a Hungarian architect and swimmer, a two-time champion of the 1896 Summer Olympic Games and the first winner from Hungary. He was also involved in athletics and football.
Early Life and Swimming Career
Alfred Hajos was born on February 1, 1878, in Budapest, Hungary, under the name Arnold Guttmann. He started swimming at the age of thirteen after his father drowned in the Danube. Later, he changed his name to Alfred Hajos, which translates from Hungarian to "Sailor." He did this to help his swimming career.
Hajos won the 100-meter distance in the Hungarian and European championships in 1895, repeating his success the following year. In addition to swimming, he achieved victories in athletics, including the national championship in the 100m race, 400m hurdles, and discus throw. In football, he played in the national championship from 1901 to 1903.
Olympic Success
In 1896, Hajos participated in the I Summer Olympic Games in Athens. He competed in two swimming events - the 100m freestyle and 1200m freestyle. Hajos won both races, finishing the first one in 1:22.2 and the second one in 18:22.2. He became the youngest winner of the games. Hajos wanted to participate in the 500m freestyle as well but didn't have enough time.
During the games, Hajos was a student studying architecture. He obtained permission to participate but faced initial disapproval from the school authorities. After becoming a qualified architect, he entered an art competition for architects at the 1924 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. He won the competition and received a silver medal (only gold medals were awarded to the French).
Architectural Achievements
Hajos designed several sports buildings in Budapest. He was included in the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (as he was of Jewish descent).
