University Student Bridges Decades and Continents in Heartwarming Fencing Story

A Taiwanese student at the Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS) has bridged six decades and thousands of kilometers to reunite a cherished Olympic photograph with Hungarian fencing legend Ildikó Rejtő.

Mu, I-Jung, a dedicated fencing student from Taiwan enrolled at the Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS), under the guidance of Dr Nikoletta Sipos-Onyestyák, is deeply engaged in pioneering research on the early history of fencing in Taiwan. In a significant step for her research, Mu recently traveled to Fukuoka, Japan, to meet Mr. Ong Sadao, a 79-year-old Taiwanese-Japanese individual credited with introducing fencing to Taiwan. This visit yielded invaluable first-hand oral history, marking an exciting development in her studies.

During her time in Fukuoka, Mu learned that Mr. Ong’s passion for fencing was ignited by the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He holds in high esteem Ms. Ildikó Rejtő, the Hungarian fencing legend who won gold medals in both the individual and team foil events at the same Olympics. A photograph of Ms. Rejtő in action at the 1964 Games remains proudly displayed in Mr. Ong’s fencing club. Mr. Ong was deeply moved by Ms. Rejtő’s unwavering spirit in overcoming her hearing impairment to excel in the sport.
Mr. Ong shared a cherished photograph with Mu, a rare shot captured by an official photographer of the Tokyo Olympics. “This precious photo has survived numerous moves over the past 60 years,” he recounted. “It feels like a remarkable connection. If it were possible, I would be honored for this photograph to be returned to Ms. Ildikó Rejtő.”.

Ildikó Rejtő’s illustrious career includes seven Olympic medals, highlighted by her individual and team foil golds in 1964. At the World Championships, she achieved five gold medals (individual foil in 1963, and team foil in 1959, 1962, 1967, and 1973) among her total of fifteen medals. Her international success began in her junior years, winning the World Junior titles in 1956 and 1957. She continued her remarkable journey as a senior competitor and even won the World Veterans Championship in 1999. Ms. Rejtő was recognized as the Hungarian Sportsperson of the Year in both 1963 and 1964.

Through the assistance of Dr. Nikoletta Sipos-Onyestyák, Mu successfully met with the now 87-year-old Ildikó Rejtő in Budapest on April 30th. During their meeting, Mu presented Ms. Rejtő with the 60-year-old photograph treasured by Mr. Ong, completing a remarkable mission that spanned six decades and over 8,000 kilometers. Ms. Rejtő graciously shared her fencing story and Olympic experiences, expressing immense joy at this extraordinary encounter.

This beautiful story, born from a shared passion for fencing, transcends national borders and the passage of time, connecting individuals from different cultures. The Hungarian University of Sports Science takes immense pride in fostering talented international students like Mu and warmly encourages others with similar aspirations to join their community. The university extends its best wishes to Mu for continued success in her research endeavors.

14 May 2025