Mátyás Farkas

Mátyás Farkas was a member of the Hungarian Athletic Club (MAC) from 1921-31 and excelled in long jump, triple jump, hurdles and decathlon. In decathlon he was Hungarian Champion from 1925-29 setting a national record. In 1932 he was awarded a life membership in the MAC. From 1923-36 Farkas also played bandy and ice hockey for the Budapest Skating Club (BKE). He became an Olympian in both sports, in decathlon at the 1928 Summer Games and in ice hockey in 1928 (as a reserve player) and 1936.

As a hockey player, he represented Hungary internationally from 1927 until 1936, competing in the 1927 and 1929 Europeans, and 1930, 1934 and 1935 World Championships. Strangely, he played as a goaltender in 1927 but later as a forward. His greatest achievement was a bronze medal at the 1934 European Championships, which were held as part of the World Championships. He also played field hockey on a high level, becoming national champion with his team in 1925-31 and 1933. After World War II, he worked as coach, notably for the Romanian national team track and field team. He was later active in Hungarian veteran athletes’ organizations and meetings.

Personal Best: Dec – 6132 (1928).