Olivér Halassy

The native form of this personal name is Halassy Olivér. This article uses the Western name order.
Olivér Halassy

Olivér Halassy (right), 1932.
Personal information
Full name Olivér Halassy-Haltmayer
Nationality Hungarian
Born 31 July 1909
Újpest, Austro-Hungarian Empire
Died 10 September 1946 (aged 37)
Budapest, Hungary
Sport
Sport Swimming
Strokes Freestyle
Club Újpesti Torna Egylet

Olivér Halassy[1] (31 July 1909 – 10 September 1946) was a Hungarian water polo player and freestyle swimmer who competed in the 1928 Summer Olympics, in the 1932 Summer Olympics, and in the 1936 Summer Olympics.

Halassy was born in Újpest, Budapest, Hungary. He was the first amputee swimmer to compete in the Olympics, after his left leg was amputated following a childhood accident (missing a jump on a street car at age 8).

He was a member of the Hungarian water polo team which won one silver and two gold medals between 1928 and 1936. In Amsterdam at the 1928 Summer Olympics he played all four matches and scored three goal. Four years later in Los Angeles he played also all three matches. In Berlin 1936 he played all seven matches. On club level he played for Újpesti TE

He also became European champion in 1500 metres freestyle swimming in 1931 just hours after he helped the water polo team to victory. Also he was a three-time European champion in water polo. Winning the title with the Hungarian team in 1931, 1934, and 1938.

He was killed by a Soviet soldier after a robbery near his home in Budapest.[2]

References

  1. ↑ He is also known as Oliver von Halassy or as Oliver Haltmayer
  2. ↑ Wallechinsky, David (2004). The Complete Book of the Summer Olympics, Toronto: Sport Classic Books. ISBN 1-894963-34-2

External links