Born: 16 August 1938

Birthplace: Kondoros (Hungary)

Nationality: Hungary

Sport: Modern Pentathlon

ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Rome 1960

Mexico 1968

Munich 1972

AWARDS

Olympic medals:

Gold: 3

Silver: 2

Details

Other results:

World Championships

Gold: 11 (63, 65, 66, 67, 69, 70, 71)

Silver: 6 (58, 59, 61, 62, 69, 70)

Bronze: 2 (61, 71)

The Patient Pentathlete

Hungarian Andras Balczo was the winner of a record five individual and five team titles in the modern pentathlon at the World Championships, winning the individual championship consecutively from 1963-1969 (it is not held in Olympic years). After placing fourth in the individual event at the 1960 Olympics, Balczó won team gold medal at the same year. In 1968, he won the silver medal in the individual event and gold in the team. In 1972, he won the individual title and a silver medal in the team event, for a total of five Olympic medals (three gold, two silver). Although the reigning world champion, he did not compete in the 1964 Games but his overall record is the greatest of any modern pentathlete. His best event was cross-country running. Balczó's career was as a typewriter mechanic.