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Pal SchmittWorld champion in fencing, President of the International Olympic Committee
Date of Birth: 13.05.1942
Country:  Hungary |
Content:
- Pál Schmitt: An Olympic Champion and International Sports Leader
- Fencing Career
- Sports Administration
- Diplomatic Service
- IOC Presidency
- Personal Life
Pál Schmitt: An Olympic Champion and International Sports Leader
Early Life and EducationPál Schmitt was born in Budapest, Hungary on May 13, 1942. He graduated from the Budapest University of Economics and began his career in the hospitality industry. Later, he became the General Director of the Nepstadion in Budapest.
Fencing Career
Schmitt was an accomplished fencer, representing Hungary at the Olympic Games in Mexico City (1968) and Munich (1972), where he helped his team win gold medals in the épée event.
Sports Administration
After his retirement from fencing, Schmitt held various leadership positions in sports administration. In 1983, he was elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and became the Chair of the IOC Environment Commission. In 1989, he assumed the presidency of the Hungarian Olympic Committee. From 1983 to 1985, he served as Deputy Chairman of the National Sports Authority of Hungary.
Diplomatic Service
In addition to his sports administration roles, Schmitt also served as Hungary's ambassador to Spain from 1992 to 1996 and to Bern from 1998 onwards.
IOC Presidency
In 2007, Schmitt was one of five candidates vying for the presidency of the IOC. The election was held in Moscow, but Schmitt did not receive the majority needed to become president.
Personal Life
Schmitt is married to Katalin Makrai, a former gymnast. They have three daughters, Alexandra, Petra, and Greta, who are all professional tennis players. They also have three grandchildren. Schmitt is fluent in English, French, Spanish, and German.
