MAKHULT Mihaly is a gentleman from Hungary who lives in the capital city, Budapest. During his teenage years, Mihaly, or as everyone calls him Misi, was part of the cadet and junior Hungarian national team. For over a decade he has been attending the veteran European championships, and this week he was awarded his first gold. However, that is not the most important aspect of the story. This tournament holds a special place in the lives of Misi and his wife, Viki.
Viki has a background in sport herself, having been an elite ski runner in the past. The pair met on the tatami by chance, as Viki was looking for some additional training to support her full-time career as a stuntwoman. Viki initially took private lessons, but she soon realised that she would benefit from joining regular group sessions too. By that time, Misi had arranged a number of team-building activities for his adult class, with the aim of fostering a sense of camaraderie and community outside the dojo. It would seem that Viki decided to join the others, and that was that. They began to form a relationship as a couple.
The pair tied the knot at the beginning of July 2019, just before the veteran Europeans tournament took place in Gran Canaria. With Misi’s dedication to veteran events and Viki’s unwavering support, that [Gran Canaria] tournament became a special honeymoon for the couple. It has become their anniversary gateway since, even at times when the date may differ. Meanwhile, Viki has continued with her regular training regime and has gained her blue belt. She is keen to progress towards her 1st Kyu, with the hope of competing together at a veteran European Championships in the near future.
In addition to the veteran Europeans becoming their regular one-to-one time away from their family life with two children, Viki’s birthday also coincides, which adds to the celebration. In Sarajevo, the couple continued their tradition of arriving together. On this occasion, Misi made a special promise to his wife.
I promised her before the event that if I won gold, I would make sure that somehow we go to Las Vegas for the veteran world championships. No secret of that event being a rather pricey journey nor the fact that Vegas is a desired place to visit for many. She has always been very supportive of my dedication and commitment to the veteran events, so it’s my turn to return the favour. I will be working hard to raise the funds to make this trip possible. Her support is invaluable. If she wasn’t coming with me and supporting me as she is, I don’t think I would be doing this. I owe it to her!
The veteran events have always had a special touch. The story of Misi and Viki began, unfolded and lives on the tatami. The gentle way brought together two beautiful individuals who now have many goals to achieve together within and outside of judo. Until we meet again, keep shining!
Author: Szandra Szogedi