András Balczó

Hungarian András Balczó was the winner of a record five individual and five team titles in the modern pentathlon at the World Championships, winning the individual championship consecutively from 1963-1969 (it is not held in Olympic years). After placing fourth at the 1960 Olympics, Balczó won team gold and individual silver medals in 1968 and then, in 1972, he won the individual title and a silver medal in the team event for a total of five Olympic medals (three gold, two silver). Although the reigning world champion, he did not compete in the 1964 Games but his overall record is the greatest of any modern pentathlete. His best event was cross-country running. Balczó’s career was as a typewriter mechanic.