Imre Hennyei

.Imre Hennyei (born Hager) trained as a professional soldier and during his academy years competed in modern pentathlon and fencing for the Hungarian Army Officers’ Fencing Club. After World War II Hennyei fenced for Barátság SE, then Vasas, and later Bp. Honvéd.

Though he began with the foil, Hennyei achieved his greatest success in épée, winning three individual Hungarian championships and seven team titles. In 1939 he won gold in the individual épée at the Vienna International University Games. He was part of the Hungarian team that finished fifth at the Olympics in London (1948) and Helsinki (1952).

Hennyei graduated as a lieutenant in 1935 and became an air officer at the Ludovika Academy. He also obtained military physical education and fencing instructor qualifications. In 1944 he qualified as a night fighter pilot. Captured by the Americans in 1945, he escaped to the French zone and worked as a car mechanic and ski instructor in Friedrichshafen, thanks to his knowledge of French. After the war, he completed a sports officer course and worked as department head at Budapest Honvéd for two years.

Following the 1956 Hungarian Revolution Hennyei emigrated to Canada, where he revitalized fencing. As fencing master at the University of Toronto, he led the team to 13 intercollegiate fencing championships. He coached Canadian fencers at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics and continued coaching into the late 1970s.

His daughter-in-law, Donna Hennyey, competed at the 1972 München Olympics for Canada.