We honor the memory of Ágnes Keleti by celebrating her remarkable life

In addition to her extraordinary sporting achievements, Ágnes Keleti—known by her Hebrew name, Rachel bat Avigdor—was remembered today at her funeral held at the Kozma Street Jewish Cemetery for her modesty, humility, cheerfulness, and zest for life. The memorial service, led by Dr. Tamás Verő, Chief Rabbi of the Frankel Synagogue, included participation from Chief Cantor Dr. Gergely Nógrádi.

Dr. Verő recounted a fond memory from her 103rd birthday celebration, highlighting her strong yet kind demeanor: "When I raised my hand for a rabbinical blessing, Aunt Ági gently reminded me not to ruffle her hair. She embodied a balance of toughness and humor, strictness and humanity." He emphasized that her humility and directness were even more profound than her sporting successes. 

"Jewish tradition asks, 'Who is a respectable person?' The answer remains unchanged: one who respects others. Ágnes Keleti exemplified this every day of her life."

Following Rabbi Verő, Dr. Andor Grósz, President of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Hungary (Mazsihisz), offered his farewell, which is available in full on this page (in Hungarian).

Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky reflected on her life as a constant struggle against the tides of history, from which she emerged victorious. 

"As we bid her farewell on what would have been her 104th birthday, we are reminded of her unshakable strength and perseverance. She was more than an athlete; she was a testament to never giving up the fight."

Yael Arad, President of the Israeli Olympic Committee, shared personal reflections on Ágnes, recalling their first meeting on a beach in Israel. She was struck by the sight of an elderly, slim woman of short stature, training with unmatched professionalism and with “back muscles I had not seen before”. Later, she personally became convinced that Ágnes Keleti was – as Yael Arad emphasized – “a tough, perfectionist woman whose personality was shaped by the Holocaust and Eastern Europe. Later, as the head of the Sports Committee, I had the privilege to nominate Ágnes for the prestigious Israel Prize, an honor awarded when Ágnes was 97.”

At the end of her speech, the President of the Israeli Olympic Committee drew attention to the hostages still being held by Hamas terrorists, expressing our shared hope that they will be released as soon as possible.

The ceremony, attended by hundreds, saw tributes from prominent figures including Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony, former President Pál Schmitt. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had a wreath sent to be laid at her grave. 

A eulogy from Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, read by State Secretary Balázs Fürjes, paid homage to her legacy: The head of the IOC said: 

"With Ágnes Keleti, the global Olympic community has lost a brilliant person and a great champion. This extraordinary athlete once said: do not focus on winning, but on doing it out of love! And she was truly guided by this conviction throughout her life” – said Thomas Bach. 

“With the Olympic Games we celebrate life, and by remembering Ágnes we celebrate her life, her love of life. If we do this, she will live forever in our hearts."

Zsolt Gyulay, President of the Hungarian Olympic Committee, and Sándor Altorjai, Secretary General of the Hungarian Gymnastics Federation, highlighted Keleti’s monumental contributions not only to Hungarian gymnastics but to Hungarian sports in general, noting that 10 of Hungary’s 40 Olympic gymnastics medals are attributable to her.

The most heartfelt tribute came from her son, Rafael Biro Keleti, who recounted the joyous, laughter-filled moments they shared. He revealed lesser-known facets of her life, from her culinary passions to her interest in astronomy and philosophy. He said his mother knew how to surprise him and, even at ninety, was able to board a plane to visit him in New York or Paris. He shared a memorable anecdote of her surprising the guests of a tapas bar in Spain by demonstrating a straddle split and taking selfies with the waiters, even in her nineties.

In conclusion, Rafael expressed his gratitude: "Dear mom, I thank you for everything and bless the Creator that I could grow up as your son! "

Photo credit: Doron Ritter