Ferenc Bánhalmi

Ferenc Bánhalmi started as a gymnast, but became an athlete after an accidental shoulder sprain. Bánhalmi started his sports career in 1941 in the colors of the MOVE Rákosligeti Social and Sports Association. He was an athlete of Magyar Pamutipar SC from 1946 to 1950, Vörös Lobogó Magyar Pamut from 1951 to 1954, and Vörös Lobogó in 1955-1956. Bánhalmi primarily competed in the 400 metres and won eight Hungarian championships in this distance from 1943 to 1953. In addition, he won the 100 metres championship in 1944, and in 1952 and 1954 he became a champion with the 4 x 400 metres relay team. Between 1943 and 1956 he appeared 26 times in the Hungarian national team.

Bánhalmi competed at two Olympics, in 1948 in London and 1952 in Helsinki. At the World College Championships in 1949 he finshed first in the 400 metres, in 1951 second in the 400 metres, and with the 4 x 400 metres relay. In 1947 he won with the so-called Olympic relay team, and in 1949 he achieved third place as a member of the 4 x 400 metres relay team.

After finishing his sports career he worked as the president of MTK from 1963 to 1974, and as its executive president from 1970 to 1974.

Personal Best: 400 – 48.0 (1953).