György Kolonics

György Kolonics is considered the greatest canoeist produced by Hungary, and one of the greatest ever for any nation. He competed in four Olympics (1992-2004), winning two gold and two bronze medals, and was preparing to compete in 2008 when he tragically died while training. Kolonics began his career with the Budapesti Spartacus club but soon moved to Csepel Sportsclub, which he represented for most of his career. He first represented Hungary at the 1991 World Championships, helping them win a gold medal in C-4 1,000 metres. He eventually would win a record (for men) of 15 World Championship gold medals. His greatest achievements were in C-2, teamed with Csaba Horváth. Together they won six World Championships, before Horváth retired in 1998. Kolonics then began to focus on Canadian singles. His World Championship titles were as follows: C-2: 1993 500, 1995 200/500/1,000, 1997 500, 1998 500, 2006 1,000, 2007 500; C-4: 1991 1,000, 1993 1,000, 1994 1,000, 1995 200/500, 1997 500, 1998 500. He won a total of 29 medals at the World Championships. Kolonics was training in Budapest on 15 July 2008 when he collapsed and died from heart failure. It was rumored that he was to be chosen to carry the Hungarian flag at the Beijing Opening Ceremony.