Legend of Czechoslovak athletics Imrich Bugár has died, his…

Legend of Czechoslovak athletics Imrich Bugár has died, his colleagues remember him

09.04.2026 12:00 HotInfo

Former discus thrower Imrich Bugár, one of the most successful figures in Czechoslovak athletics, died on Wednesday at the age of 70, just short of his 71st birthday. His death was reported by the Army Sports Centre Dukla, where Bugár had worked in the international department in recent years. pluska.sk ↗

Bugár made his mark in the history of Slovak and Czechoslovak sport with numerous achievements. His greatest triumph was gold at the World Championships in Helsinki in 1983, when he became the first world champion in the discus throw from his country. In addition, he won a silver medal at the Olympics in Moscow in 1980 and bronze at the European Championships. SITA ↗

Following his death, athletes and colleagues are recalling memories of Bugár as a modest and cheerful person. His longtime friend, Olympic shot putter Helena Fibingerová, was greatly shaken by the news of his death. Only recently they had stood together on the podium during the Athlete of the Year awards in December 2024, where they received their honors. Fibingerová and Bugár went through numerous international training camps together and celebrated several medals together, including their shared gold at the 1983 World Championships in Helsinki. According to her memories, Bugár was a wonderful person and a joker who, despite his world-class achievements, remained modest. idnes.cz ↗

Former cycling representative Petr Kocek, who was among the first to inform the Czech sports public about Bugár's death, also remembers him as a person who left a positive mark on people's lives. Besides athletics, Bugár also pursued other activities — he took part in the show StarDance, where he also won the heart of his dance partner. Despite his world-class performances, he was known for his approachability and his ability to connect with every person. isport.cz ↗

After ending his athletic career, he moved behind the scenes of sport and worked as a staff member of the international department at the Army Sports Centre Dukla, where he led and supported further generations of athletes. In December 2024 he accepted the award in the Athletics Legend category at the Athlete of the Year ceremony with great enthusiasm and energy, confirming his lasting place in the memory of the Slovak public. extra.cz ↗

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