Exclusive interview with Dr. Zsigmond Nagy, international director of the Hungarian Olympic Committee

Most of us have heard about Hungary’s bid for the Summer Olympic Games in 2024, but what is it that could make us successful? How would Budapest look like? Can we exceed London’s success in Rio? How is the preparation for Rio going? These are some of the questions we discussed with Dr. Zsigmond Nagy, the international director of the Hungarian Olympic Committee.

DailyNewsHungary: How did your life lead you to becoming the international director of the Hungarian Olympic Committee?

ZN: This was a long way. I was asked to be part of the organizing committee of the European Athletics Championships held in Budapest in 1998 by Ágoston Schulek, President of the Hungarian Athletic Association. Shortly after, I was offered an excellent opportunity by Pal Schmitt, former President of the Hungarian Olympic Committee, to join the National Olympic Committee of Hungary. That is when my journey started. First I worked as the international secretary and then became the international and judicial director.

DailyNewsHungary: Most of us probably have an idea of what is the role of the president and the general secretary. What is your role?

ZN: The Hungarian Olympic Committee is the only statutory public body in sports according to the Hungarian law. We attend to the tasks taken over from the state.  Our number-one task is direction and leadership. This is a dual status which means that by the international claim, we represent Hungary as the National Olympic Committee. In this sense our task is to prepare and enter the Hungarian Olympic Teams for the Olympic Games.

DailyNewsHungary: In the last couple of months one of the main focuses of the news was Hungary’s bid for the Summer Olympics in 2024. Budapest has bid for the Olympics five times before. What is it that could make us successful this time?

ZN: We have a lot to offer to the Olympic family and the members of the International Olympic Committee. We rightfully think that Budapest is a fantastic city. Tourism data justifies this. The other thing is that Hungarian sport has a strong tradition which predestines us to finally host the Olympics. Hungary is the only one of the 10 most successful medal-winning countries at the Summer Olympics (more exactly the 8th most successful country) never to have hosted the event. Just look at the other candidates: this would be the 3rd Olympics for Los Angeles, Rome and Paris; and Germany has also hosted several Summer and Winter Olympics. Also, we offer national Olympic Games oppositely to the other’s one city-conception. We would have events in different cities. This is especially exciting because we have the support of a whole nation.

DailyNewsHungary: Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee emphasized that the main aspect of the decision will be which country wants the Olympics the most. How will they estimate this?

ZN: The candidature process has changed. It previously had two stages but now contains three. What had been a rival candidature process is now a consultation one. The IOC gives all the proficiency that the candidates need. This is in process now; we have to hand in our first file, in which we frame our vision, until the 7th of February, 2016. A good bid is one that serves the local, national interests. The IOC can help us professionally but we have to make our own decisions.

DailyNewsHungary: Let it be whatever sport event, Hungary has always organised them at a high level. Can this be our biggest advantage?

ZN: Of course. This is not only an advantage but is actually an expectation to 1) host international competitions and 2) at a high level. This is how we can prove that we really are good hosts and have the proficiency and establishments needed. You have to imagine the Olympic Games as 28 World Championships in one place at the same time. So it is our own interest to prove that we are capable of this.

DailyNewsHungary: You were the member of the Organising Committee of the London Olympics. How helpful can your experiences be?

ZN: Participation is completely different from organization. It requires a different method of preparation. It was an exceptional experience for me and I learned a lot. I was able to see the other side of the shield. The classical example for this is when you go to the theatre and enjoy a play. You know that this is the result of many people’s hard work in the background. This is what organising the Olympics is like. Thousands of people work backstage so that the audience may enjoy a well put-together show. This is a different world. I hope to utilise my experiences.

DailyNewsHungary: Many articles write about the expenses of the Olympics in Rio and how they kept growing. Can we talk about payback apropos of Olympic Games? If yes, how long does it take?

ZN: When talking about an investment, its payback – the extent and time – is what’s important. Economic measurements have been made concerning the Olympics in Budapest. The numbers are quite different from previous Olympics. I think that if we look at this exclusively from an economic angle and whether or not it would be profitable then we are probably on the wrong path. I admit that the economic intent is important but this needs to be under the final goal which is hosting a memorable Olympic Games that serves the interests of the nation and takes Hungary’s good reputation all around the world. If this was profitable I think it would be beyond all of our dreams. We need to look at this investment in a way that the infrastructure and establishments stay here. The knowledge stays here and this unique experience would define generations for a long time. A good example of this is Moscow. People who experienced the Olympic Games in 1980 think of it with tears in their eyes up to this day. This is also the case with the people of Sydney. To sum up, this is our plan; enrichment in the long run.