Pál Sajgó

Pál Sajgó began his career as a cross-country skier in his hometown in 1940. By the end of World War II, Sajgó was already in Hungary, in Pécs, where he studied carpentry, passed his master’s exam, and competed as an athlete for Pécs Lokomotív. He spent two years at Lokomotív, then went to Budapest to join Bástya. Later he also skied for Kőbánya Budapest and Újpesti Dózsa. He won his first Hungarian championship title in 1952 in the classic style short distance (18 km). This title was followed by six more in individual titles and seven team titles, and in the long distance (freestyle 50 km) he stood on the highest step of the championship podium four times as an individual and eight times in the team event.

Sajgó was a member of the Hungarian national team between 1952 and 1962. In 1952 he participated in the Oslo Olympics, finishing 27th in the 50 km cross-country skiing and 53rd in the 18 km distance. Two years later he competed in the World Championships held in Falun, Sweden where the Hungarian team took 13th place in the relay, in addition to finishing 60th in the 15 km individual race. In 1960 in Squaw Valley, in his second Olympic appearance, Sajgó competed in biathlon in addition to cross-country skiing. He finished 26th in the 20 km distance in the biathlon and 34th in the 15 km classic cross-country skiing. The 1962 World Championships in Zakopane followed, at which he competed in three events: he finished 15th in the relay, 45th in the short distance (15 km), and 55th in the 30 km event. He was the first Hungarian skier to compete in an international competition.

In 1964, Sajgó earned a degree in sports organization from the College of Physical Education. After finishing his sports career, he was the Director of the Újpest Stadium for many years.