Ödön Földessy won Olympic long jump bronze at Helsinki 1952 ©Hungarian Olympic Committee

Olympic long jump bronze medallist Ödön Földessy has died at the age of 90, the Hungarian Olympic Committee has announced.

Földessy represented Hungary at two Olympic Games during his career.

He won bronze on his Olympic debut at Helsinki 1952 with an effort of 7.30 metres.

United States’ Jerome Biffle won gold on 7.57m, with his team-mate Meredith Gourdine following on 7.53m.

Földessy placed 21st at the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games.

He secured the European long jump title in Bern in 1954.

The Hungarian Olympic Committee said Földessy died yesterday (June 9), following a long illness.

Földessy would have turned 91 on July 1.


As well as being a successful long jumper, Földessy competed for Újpest in high jump and sprint events.

He was a member of the Újpest team which secured the 4x100m national title on two occasions.

The Hungarian Olympic Committee said he graduated from the police academy and the College of Physical Education following his athletics career.

He worked in the traffic police department in Budapest and was promoted to colonel after his retirement.

Földessy was married to Olympic gold medal winning fencer Paula Marosi for five years from 1955 to 1960.

The Hungarian Olympic Committee said it shares the grief of the family and the community of athletes.