103-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor Olympic Legend’s Health Update Has Gymnastics Community Concerned

To win an Olympic medal even in your prime is a monumentally difficult task. However, to become the most successful Olympic gymnast in your nation’s history beyond 30 is unheard of. Yet a Hungarian-born Jewish gymnast did just that after surviving the Second World War. However, the oldest living Olympic champion is fighting for her life.

At 103, Hungarian gymnastics icon Agnes Keleti is also history’s second-most prolific Jewish Olympian. However, one of Hungary’s biggest sports magazines, Nemzeti Sport, posted concerning news about the gymnast’s health on December 27, 2024. The magazine explained that the Holocaust survivor had to be transported to the Budapest Military Hospital on Christmas day.

Keleti suffered “heart failure and breathing difficulties,” as per the report. Nemzeti Sport said they had learned of the gymnast’s health emergency from an undisclosed source close to the Keletis. The news sparked concern among gymnastics enthusiasts. “Sending love and prayers to her and her family. I hope she is comfortable. She is an inspiration,” commented a fan on Reddit.

Keleti is indeed an inspiration and a living example of resilience and perseverance, both on and off the mat. Born in June 1921, the gymnast’s so-called ‘prime’ went to waste as the 1940 and 1944 Summer Olympic Games didn’t happen. The ruthless Second World War cast a shadow of uncertainty; Keleti may not have even survived if not for Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg.

As per the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, the 10-time Olympic medalist and her mother made it out of Hungary during the war thanks to Raoul Wallenberg. Unfortunately, many of the former world champion’s family members, including her father, didn’t survive the war. However, the gymnastics legend picked up the pieces and made her Olympic debut in 1948.

Bad luck would strike again as an injury prevented Keleti from competing. Yet the resilient gymnast persevered, winning her first Olympic gold in 1952 at 31. Maybe that’s why one fan said, “She is an incredible woman. I pray for whatever outcome gives her the most comfort and peace. She deserves it,” commented another fan on Reddit. However, there may be some hope.

Gymnastics fans send their prayers amid a hopeful update

In light of the sad news, a Redditor pointed out the Olympic legend’s upcoming birthday on January 9. “Her 104th birthday is next week (1/9) and I was just remarking on how amazing it is she is still with us and I hope she has a wonderful birthday,” explained the fan. However, the news of Keleti’s hospitalization hit the gymnastics enthusiast hard.

“And now this news. I hope she is as comfortable as possible, whatever may come, if anyone deserves all the soft landings late in life, it is certainly her,” the fan added to their comment. However, as per another Hungarian news source, Index, there’s a ray of hope. The news outlet spoke to Agnes Keleti’s son, who seemed hopeful of his mother’s recovery.

“My mother got pneumonia, and yesterday her condition was very bad, the doctors gave up on her because the mucus was blocking her windpipe and she was suffocating. Fortunately, today we managed to suck out the mucus, my mother’s breathing became easier, and she was already smiling.” Rafael Bíró-Keleti said on December 27.

“We pray for her, we hope she recovers, she has a huge vitality,” the gymnastics legend’s son added. “All the best to her,” commented another fan, hoping for the best outcome to the concerning situation. However, the Redditor also pointed out a particular term the original poster had used. “I think you might need to look up what ‘reigning’ means,” said the fan.

However, Redditor explained why they used the term. “I absolutely do not. She is the reigning Olympic Champion in Team Portable Apparatus which was last competed at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, where her Hungarian team won gold,” wrote the user. While it had nothing to do with Keleti’s health, it was an example of the champion’s continuing legacy. While there have been no further updates on the gymnastics legend’s condition, the community hopes for the best for the 103-year-old.