Ilona Tolnai-Rákhely

Ilona Tolnai achieved her first successes as a long jumper for the Koszorú association. Before World War II she also competed for the Csokor Habselyem and Futura. Tolnai continued her track and field career for Postás from 1947 onwards, and then for Vasas from 1950 onwards. After one bronze and two silver medals, she won her first individual championship title in the long jump in 1941. After World War II, she excelled in sprint events, finishing first in the 100 metres three times between 1947 and 1950. In addition to her individual championship titles, she also won 12 relay and 11 team championship titles. She achieved one national record in the 100 metres and two national records in the long jump.

Between 1942 and 1952 Tolnai was a member of the Hungarian national team. At the 1947 Balkan Games in Bucharest, she won a gold medal with the Hungarian 4 x 100 metres relay, a silver medal in the 100 metres, and a bronze medal in the long jump. At the 1949 World University Championships in Budapest, she won silver in both the 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 metres relays. Two years later, she won a silver medal in the 4 x 100 metres and a bronze medal in the 4 x 200 metres in Berlin. At the 1952 Helsinki Olympics Tolnai competed in the 100 metres and 4 x 100 metres relays but failed to reach the finals in either event.

After the Olympics Tolnai ended her active sports career and did not stay close to athletics. She worked as an auditor at the Hungarian Health Insurance until her retirement.

Personal Bests: 100 – 12.4 (1951).