Imre Szalay started wrestling at MTE in 1919. At first, he competed in middleweight, but due to strong competition, he eventually chose to campaign at light-heavyweight. He achieved his most significant successes in this weight class where he became the multiple champion of Hungary.
He was in great shape in 1924, but due to his working-class background and political views, he was not selected to Olympic team. He played an active role in the communist movement from a young age. He was arrested for participating in a workers’ demonstration in 1925 and was banned from competing abroad for years. Despite this situation, he was chosen for the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics and finished in fifth place.
He passed away at a relatively young age due to persecution and inhumane working conditions during World War II.
In his memory, a wrestling competition was held from 1949.
Hungary