At just 19-years-old in 1952, Aladár Kovácsi remains the youngest ever modern pentathlon champion through 2008. He won his title in the team event, together with Gábor Benedek and István Szondy. This marked the first Hungarian title in the sport, in which they would become one of the dominant nations. It wasn’t until 1955 that Kovácsi again made the national team for a major event, and again the Hungarian team struck gold at the World Championships. This time, Kovácsi was the best of his team, and won an individual bronze. In 1958, he added a fourth and final international medal, silver with the team at the World Championships. He also won the Hungarian title, in 1958, in addition to five consecutive winter pentathlon titles (1951-55). A good fencer like most Hungarian pentathletes, Kovácsi also won two Hungarian épée titles with Honvéd. After completing medical school, Kovácsi became a gynecologist.
Hungary