József Csermák

József Csermák was one of the great Hungarian hammer throwers after World War II. He succeeded the 1948 Olympic champion and compatriot Imre Németh by setting a world record of 60.34 to win the 1952 Olympic final. At only 20-years-old, his win was a surprise, as Németh placed third. The first man to throw over 60 metres, Csermák never won another international title, placing third at the 1954 European Championships, fifth at the 1956 Olympics (after carrying the Hungarian flag at the Opening Ceremony) and eighth at the 1958 European Championships. Csermák also competed at the 1960 Olympics, but did not make it out of qualifying. He also won four Hungarian hammer throw titles (1953-54, 1956-57).

After finishing his sporting career, Csermák worked as an athletics coach, serving as the throwing coach of the Hungarian national team from 1967-70. His most successful pupil was the 1968 Olympic champion Gyula Zsivótzky. Csermák became a member of the Hungarian Olympic Committee in 1989.

Csermák’s “entry” in 1968 as a 50 km walker was a common ruse in that era, when nations entered coaches, officials, or administrators into events as a way to get them official accreditation at the Olympic Games. Csermák was in no way a long-distance walker.

Personal Best: HT – 64.23 (1960).