Is Gabor Benedek the New Longest-Living Olympic Gold Medalist?
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Synopsis
In a remarkable turn of events, Hungarian modern pentathlete Gabor Benedek has become the oldest living Olympic gold medalist at age 98, surpassing the late Nikita Simonyan. This article delves into Benedek's illustrious career, his achievements, and the legacy of Simonyan, who was a cornerstone in Soviet football history.
Key Takeaways
- Gabor Benedek is now the longest-living Olympic gold medalist at 98.
- He won gold and silver at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
- Benedek has lived near Bonn, Germany, since 1970.
- Nikita Simonyan passed away at age 99, making way for Benedek's new title.
- Simonyan was a key figure in Soviet and Armenian football history.
Budapest (Hungary), Nov 24 (NationPress) Hungarian modern pentathlete Gabor Benedek, who is now 98 years old, has officially been recognized as the longest-living Olympic gold medalist, as reported by the Hungarian news agency MTI on Monday. This change came after the passing of former Soviet football star Nikita Simonyan, who died at the age of 99.
Simonyan, of Armenian descent, clinched Olympic gold with the Soviet team during the 1956 Melbourne Games. He celebrated his 99th birthday on October 12.
He was the top scorer in Spartak Moscow's history, capturing four Soviet league titles as a player and later leading the team to two additional titles as their head coach, according to reports from Xinhua.
Simonyan also guided Ararat Yerevan to a remarkable league and cup double in 1973 and returned for a second coaching term in the mid-1980s. Ararat acknowledged his impact on Armenian football as “invaluable,” declaring him “a true great.”
Among his noteworthy accomplishments was winning gold with the Soviet Union at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
Following Simonyan's passing, Benedek now holds the title of the oldest living Olympic gold medalist. Born on March 23, 1927, in Tiszafured, he won team gold and individual silver at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, later adding world championship titles in both individual and team categories.
Benedek has resided near Bonn, Germany, since 1970.
He was the individual champion at the 1953 World Championships and part of the gold medal-winning Hungarian team in 1954, alongside Szondy and Károly Tasnády, who did not compete in the Olympics. Individually, he secured bronze medals at the Hungarian Championships in 1947, 1949, 1950, and 1956, finishing as runner-up in 1951.
Benedek was a national champion four times in the team category (1949, 1951-1953), a runner-up once (1950), and a bronze medalist once (1956). He also won a Hungarian team fencing championship in 1951.
Hungary's Agnes Keleti, a five-time Olympic gymnastics champion who passed away on January 2 this year, shortly before her 104th birthday, still holds the record as the oldest Olympic champion.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the significance of Gabor Benedek's milestone. His achievements not only highlight the enduring spirit of athletes but also pay homage to the legacy of Nikita Simonyan, a pivotal figure in sports history. This story resonates deeply with our audience, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who have shaped the world of athletics.
NationPress
24/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gabor Benedek?
Gabor Benedek is a Hungarian modern pentathlete who became the longest-living Olympic gold medalist at age 98 following the passing of Nikita Simonyan.
What were Gabor Benedek's Olympic achievements?
He won team gold and individual silver at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics and has also claimed multiple world championship titles.
Who was Nikita Simonyan?
Nikita Simonyan was a former Soviet footballer who won Olympic gold during the 1956 Melbourne Games and passed away at the age of 99.
What impact did Simonyan have on football?
Simonyan was the all-time leading scorer for Spartak Moscow and made significant contributions to Armenian football as a player and coach.
What is the legacy of Gabor Benedek?
Benedek's legacy lies in his remarkable achievements in modern pentathlon and his status as the oldest living Olympic champion, inspiring future generations of athletes.
