As the final day approached, the Hungarian medals really started to pour in.Continue reading
“The Olympic and Paralympic athletes have stood the test of strength and character at the same time, they have proved themselves in both, and thus have become our role models,” President Tamás Sulyok stressed at the presentation ceremony of state awards. The President handed over state decorations to the athletes who have achieved outstanding results at the 2024 Summer Olympics and the Paralympic Games on Thursday in the Parliament.
The President noted that pride can only come from human greatness, that is the result of struggle and honor, everyday efforts and human conduct. It is only this attitude that serves as an example, that we are happy to follow, he stressed.
The event was also attended by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and National Assembly Speaker László Kövér.
President Tamás Sulyok (front row, L), with László Kövér, National Assembly Speaker L2) and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (L3). Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
Tamás Sulyok stressed that it must be an uplifting feeling to have the Hungarian homeland praised for our individual efforts.
Few people can do this, and apart from the greats of our history, it is perhaps only the champions’ privilege,”
said the President. He added that it is when we experience such solemn moments that we say it is good to be Hungarian.
The President reminded that many people believe that we are an exceptionally talented nation in sport, adding that he could not disagree with this, but that this was not the only reason for our sporting successes. “There has to be an inner drive that gets our best people to the finish line. Something that matures from the cradle and shapes us invisibly,” he explained.
Photo: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd
The President added:
Perhaps our lack of kinship has condemned us not to wait for others in the battle, perhaps our troubled history has taught us to stand firm, perhaps the strength of our communities gives our struggles strength.
Perhaps the Hungarian heart is built in such a way that it can only rest after the goal, and until it is reached, it will carry on without tiring.”
“Becoming a champion, reaching the finish line, is not a momentary act. It takes years, often decades, of perseverance. It is not a single competition, but a series of competitions, a lot of training,” the President said. He stressed that he was not only thanking the Olympians, Paralympians and their coaches for the exhilarating moment of crossing the finish line, but also for the years of hard work and loyalty.
Via MTI, Featured image: MTI/Koszticsák Szilárd
