Ferenc FORGACZ

Ferenc Forgács started his sports career in his hometown, Bratislava. In 1912 he moved to Budapest to study and joined BEAC, going on to win two national titles that year, at one mile and cross country. Also in 1912, he was a member of the first Hungarian track and field team to compete against Austria. The following year he retained his mile and cross-country national titles, and also captured the three mile title. On his day, Forgács was virtually unbeatable at every distance from 1500 metres to one hour running, and broke 15 national records.

Forgács was taken prisoner by the Russians in World War I, and suffered a severe nervous breakdown during his captivity. He successfully recovered, and after the hostilities returned, firstly to Bratislava, and then to Budapest. He started racing again, and competed until 1926. After ending his competitive career, Forgács worked as an engineer.

Personal Bests: 800 – 2:01.4 (1912); 1500 – 4:06.8 (1913).