Hungarian Athletes in England

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28234, 23 March 1957, Page 5

Hungarian Athletes in England

The recent tragic events in Hungary have brought many refugees to London, and among them, many keen athletes who have already started preparing for the coming season. It is easy to understand why Hungary is—or was, before the revolution the outstanding sporting nation for its size in the world, when it is seen just how single-minded and earnest are the athletes in their training. Their training schedules are very scientific and up-to-date and, contrary to the general opinion held in Britain, there does not seem to be much difference between the way athletics are practised in the two countries. ..... The Hungarians say that it is merely the great interest of the public, and not the pressure of the Communist Government, that produces such a great national sporting interest. There are no “athletic scholarships” but there are advantages in being a sportsman and many are given jobs where they ■ can have plenty of free time for training without loss of money. This, of course, applies to many nonCommunist countries as well, an instance being that Ken Norris, Gordon Pirie, before he left for New Zealand, and Derek Ibbotson were all salesmen for a paint firm. ~ ... Probably the outstanding difference is that in Hungary the sportsmen get very much better and cheaper food than the rest of the people; in fact, many of these athletes find the food they get in London much below the standard of their athletic rations iback home.