Biro, Gyula : Jews In Sports @ Virtual Museum

Biro, Gyula

Biro was considered one of the greatest Hungarian players in history. He was a member of the National team in the 1900s and 1910s, playing at halfback. As a member of the Hungarian team at the 1912 Olympics, Biro won 36 caps (appearances) and scored three goals during his international career; Gyula made his international debut in 1906 at the age of 16.

According to Andrew Handler in From the Ghetto to the Games, Biro possessed a seemingly endless amount of energy and had brilliant technique. His sole weakness was his lack of speed, but he was an oustanding passer and his style as a midfielder was ahead of his time, able to play the entire field offensively as well as defensively.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. 1890 - d. unknown

Career Highlights:
Biro played on the Hungarian National team from 1906-1916. A halfback, he was a member of Hungary's 1912 Olympic squad that finished fifth overall. After losing their initial match to England (7-0), Hungary defeated Germany 3-1 in the consolation bracket and then beat Austria 3-0 in the consolation final. Biro started all three games for Hungary in the tournament.

During this time, Biro was also a star in the Hungarian League for MTK Budapest (founded in 1888). In 1908, MTK won the league title with a 12-4-0 record and outscored their opponents 45-15. Although they captured the Hungarian Cup in 1910, 1911, 1912, and 1914.

Origin:
Hungary



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References:
encyclopedia of JEWS in sports, by Bernard Postal, Jesse Silver, and Roy Silver (New York: Bloch Publishing Co., 1965)
From the Ghetto to the Games: Jewish Athletes in Hungary, by Andrew Handler (Boulder, Colorado: East European Monographs, 1985)