Kristóf Rasovszky Honored at the MEFS Gala

Education

Each year, the Hungarian University Sports Federation (MEFS) recognizes university students who achieve podium finishes at international university competitions. Additionally, awards are given to those who, as university students, win gold medals at the Olympics, Paralympics, or senior world championships. (Source: mefs.hu)

Among the awardees was Kristóf Rasovszky, who has become a leading figure in open water swimming over the past years, impressing not only Hungary but also the global sports community. As a student at the University of Pannonia, Kristóf serves as a role model not only in sports but also within the university community. Balancing academic life and elite sports is no small task, but his example demonstrates that with dedication and perseverance, success is achievable in both arenas.

MEFS Awards Ceremony 2024

This year, a total of 224 individuals received awards, including exceptional athletes such as Olympic champion Michelle Gulyás (University of Public Service), Kristóf Rasovszky (University of Pannonia), Máté Koch (Hungarian University of Sports Science), Tibor Andrásfi (Budapest Business School), Dávid Nagy (BME), Kristóf Milák (Óbuda University), Zsófia Konkoly (University of Pécs), Mariana Bianka Pap (ELTE), and Paralympic champion Péter Pál Kiss (Hungarian University of Sports Science).

Gábor Schmidt, Deputy State Secretary for Sports Administration and Development at the Ministry of Defense, emphasized the importance of the Summer University Games, the Olympics, and the Paralympics in showcasing the hard work in university sports. “Those who received awards this time are ambassadors of Hungarian sports. Each of them is a role model, excelling not only in elite sports but also in higher education. Life goes on, with the Winter and Summer University Games coming up next year,” he said.

László Fábián, Secretary General of the Hungarian Olympic Committee (MOB), stated that athletes in Hungary no longer have to choose between elite sports and education. “At the Hungarian Olympic Committee, we place great emphasis on presenting young people with role models, like those awarded at the MEFS Gala. We support everyone—through programs like the dual career initiative—who strives for excellence in both areas,” he said.

Prof. Dr. h.c. Lajos Mocsai, President of MEFS, highlighted in his speech that Hungary hosted the largest multi-sport event in the country’s history in summer 2024, in collaboration with the University of Debrecen and the University of Miskolc. He also reflected on the success of the summer games. “More than 3,000 athletes participated in the European University Games, where Hungary’s 649-member delegation secured 58 medals, winning the nations’ competition. Of the 19 medals won at the Paris Olympics, 16 were partially or entirely tied to Hungarian higher education institutions, while 10 of the 39-member Paralympic team were university students. Finally, in 2024, MEFS was recognized as the most active and successful university sports federation in Europe by the European University Sports Association,” summarized the MEFS president.