Famous Jew in History: Agnes Keleti (1921–2025)

 Agnes Keleti was born on 9 January 1921 in Hungary.

She began gymnastics as a child and was already a national champion before the war. Her career was then taken away from her. Anti-Jewish laws banned her from competing, and during the Holocaust she was forced into hiding, surviving under a false identity. Her father and many relatives were murdered.

After the war, in her mid-20s, she returned to a sport where most athletes peak much earlier.

In her 30s, an age when most gymnasts had already retired, she competed at the highest level.

At the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, she won four medals.

At the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, she won six more, including four gold.

In total, she won 10 Olympic medals, making her one of the most decorated Jewish athletes in history.

After the 1956 Games, she moved from Hungary to Israel and helped build gymnastics in the country from the ground up, coaching and training the next generation.

When she passed away in 2025 at the age of 103, she was the oldest living Olympic champion.

Learn more: Jewish Women's Archive - Agnes Keleti