Gyula ZSIVOTZKY

Gyula Zsivótzky was one of the world's best hammer throwers in the 1960s. Competing in four Olympics, he won a silver medal in 1960 and 1964 before upgrading to gold at the 1968 Games. He won this title with a distance of 73.76, improving his own world record (set in 1965) by two centimetres. Zsivótzky medalled three times at the European Championships: gold (1962), silver (1966) and bronze (1958), also winning three Universiad titles (1959, 1961 and 1965). The 13-fold Hungarian champion (1958-70) retired in 1973 to work in the clothing industry. He married Olympic high jumper Magdolna Komkané Csábi and they had two sons, who both became athletes as well. Gyula Junior became a football player, while Attila became a three time Olympian in the decathlon. Zsivótzky was also active as a sports administrator. He became a member of the Hungarian NOC in 1988, and was vice-president of his athletic club, Újpesti TE.

Personal Best: HT – 73.76 (1968).