Mihály Koleszár
Hungarian national modern pentathlete
Mihály Koleszár
Hungarian national modern pentathlete
“One goal, five disciplines – in pursuit of the Olympic dream”
About Me
I was born in 2002 and currently live in Budapest, preparing for the world’s greatest sporting events as a member of the Hungarian national modern pentathlon team. Sport has been part of my life from a very young age: I started with swimming, then running, and finally discovered the complex world of modern pentathlon — and instantly fell in love with it.
For me, pentathlon is not just a sport — it’s a way of life. A constant challenge that tests me every day — physically, mentally and as a person. In 2022, I won the junior world championship title, and since then I’ve been proving myself among the elite in the adult field.
Achievements
2025
🥈 Budapest – World Cup – 2nd place (photo-finish silver at the home World Cup)
🥈 Cairo – World Cup – 2nd place (my first senior World Cup podium)
2024
🥇 Budapest – European Championships – Mixed relay gold with Rita Erdős
🥇 Hungarian Championships – Individual national champion
2023
🏅 Budapest – World Cup – 5th place (best Hungarian)
2022
🥇 Junior World Championships – Individual world champion title
My Goals
In recent years, I’ve been building my career more consciously: every training session and every competition serves a single goal – to qualify for the Olympics and make it among the best.
🔜 Short-term goal:
Olympic qualification
🏅 Long-term dream:
To win an Olympic medal and inspire the next generation as a role model
Introduction
How did you start doing sports?
I began my athletic journey as a competitive swimmer, but thanks to Ákos Schumacher and my parents, I gradually stepped into the world of modern pentathlon — first trying out two disciplines, then three, then four, and eventually, all five.
Once I got to know every element of this sport, there was no turning back. I was completely hooked by its diversity, versatility, and complexity.
Whenever I felt like one discipline couldn’t offer anything new, I found a fresh challenge in another — and that constant drive kept me going.
I’ll never forget the first time I jumped over an obstacle on horseback, or when I splashed through a water ditch — both moments are burned into my memory forever.
And when I started “firing away” with an air pistol — and later with a laser weapon — I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear, especially when I actually hit the target.
As for fencing? The moment we were finally allowed to go head-to-head freely was pure bliss for us. Total happiness.
Do you have a sporting role model, and why?
Áron Szilágyi (for now 😉🤞) — a three-time individual Olympic champion in sabre fencing.
Honestly, if that’s not enough to “earn” someone’s respect, I don’t know what is.
But for me, he’s not just a role model because of his incredible achievements — it’s also about his presence, his character, and how he carries himself.
I’ve never met him in person, but the traits I think I see in him are values I hope to have one day myself: humility and respect toward his opponents, teammates, and coaches — paired with a remarkable confidence, decisiveness, and unwavering focus.
I first saw him back when I was just getting familiar with fencing. And even though we don’t compete in the same weapon category, it was his footage that truly captivated me.
Back then, he had “only” one Olympic gold medal to his name — since then, he’s fought and won countless legendary battles.
But perhaps his final bout in London 2012 still remains my favorite.
I still rewatch those recordings to this day, heart racing just like the first time.
Your favorite competition?
I really love competing, so it would be hard to highlight just one among the many. Every competition brings something new, there’s always something to learn, and each one contributes to who I am. If I had to choose, I would say my individual silver medal at the 2025 European Championship. That competition gave me such a special experience that went beyond the medal itself: it proved to me that with perseverance and faith, anything is truly achievable. I feel this experience provides a strong foundation for facing future challenges with even greater confidence.
Your favorite motto?
Although I’m not particularly a fan of mottos, there is one that’s close to my heart:
“You don’t need a plan B, because plan A will work.” – Tibor Lehmann
News
Fresh updates from my journey – competitions, results, and behind-the-scenes stories straight from the field. Follow along as I work toward achieving my Olympic goals!
Cairo – My First World Cup Podium Finish
Cairo – My First World Cup Podium Finish The 2025 World Cup season began for me in Cairo, and I think this competition will stay with me forever. I reached a milestone I had only imagined before: I earned my very first World Cup podium finish. In the final, I was the...
European Championship Gold in Front of a Home Crowd – A Dream Come True
On July 14, 2024, the final day of the European Modern Pentathlon Championships in Budapest, I stood on the top of the podium with Rita Erdős by my side — achieving something every athlete dreams of: winning gold on home soil, in front of a home crowd. The course of...
Galery
Modern pentathlon is more than just a competition — it’s a way of life. These moments reflect what it means to fight, grow, and never give up. Every photo is a step toward the Olympic dream — on the track, in the water, and behind the sights.
Sponsors
Thank you to all the partners and organizations who believe in my dream and support me on my journey toward the Olympic Games.
