István Major

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameIstván•Major
Used nameIstván•Major
Born20 May 1949 in Budapest, Budapest (HUN)
Died3 May 2014 in Courtice, Ontario (CAN)
Measurements186 cm / 80 kg
AffiliationsBHSE, Budapest (HUN)
NOC Hungary

Biography

István Major was a Hungarian high jumper, and the first Hungarian international to use what was the then new Fosbury Flop. Major won the European Indoor Championships three times – 1971-73, and placed second in 1974. He also won silver medals at the Universiade in 1973 and 1975. A four-time Hungarian high jump champion (1971, 1976-78), Major competed at the 1969, 1971, and 1974 European Championships (outdoors), finishing fifth, fourth, and fourth respectively. He was Hungary’s athlete-of-the-year in 1971, 1973, and 1974 and competed in 41 internationals for Hungary from 1969-81. He also set 10 Hungarian records between 1969-73, leaving the mark at 2.24 in 1973. In 1983 Major moved to Toronto, Canada, and lived there for the rest of his life.

Personal Best: HJ – 2.24i (1972).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1972 Summer Olympics Athletics HUN István Major
High Jump, Men (Olympic) =6
1976 Summer Olympics Athletics HUN István Major
High Jump, Men (Olympic) =24 r1/2

Special Notes