János Kelen

János Kelen began his sports career with Vasas in 1929 and finished there in 1950, but between 1935 and 1945 he spent his most successful period at Budapesti Budai Torna Egylet (BBTE). Between 1932 and 1948 he won the Hungarian championship in cross-country eight times individually and was on winning teams seven times. In track Kelen was national champion three times at 5,000 metres and four times in the 10K. In 1934, he was the first Hungarian to run 5,000 under 15 minutes and set 14 national records over several distances. His 1940 national 5K record stood for 12 years.

Between 1931 and 1947, Kelen earned 29 caps. At the European Championships he was sixth at the 5,000 in 1934 and the 10,000 in 1938. He competed at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he went out in round one of the 5,000 and finished 12th in the 10K. In 1937, he won the British Championship at six-miles.

After his retirement, Kelen earned a coaching degree from the College of Physical Education and worked as a coach. In 1951 and 1957 he was the president of the Hungarian Athletics Association. In 1955 he was awarded the title of master coach.

Personal Bests: 5000 – 14:23.0 (1940); 10000 – 30:23.6 (1940).