Olympic champion Henrietta Onodi recovering after heart attack

1992 Olympic vault gold medallist Henrietta Onodi of Hungary is on the mend after suffering “a complicated heart attack with neurological implications,” according to an update from the International Gymnastics Federation.

The 50-year-old, two-time Olympian, who now lives in Florida in the United States, collapsed at a grocery store in March and underwent surgery afterward. She was in a coma for several weeks following the operation.

“It’s amazing that she is actually alive,” Barbara Onodi-Klausler, Henrietta’s sister, said. “But after she started coming out of the coma it was clear that we were dealing with much, much more.

“Compared to where she started, the injury she suffered, she is making milestones. The goal of course is a full recovery,” Onodi-Klausler added. “Is it possible? Well, we have faith in this family, and I believe with faith everything is possible. And I don’t think with the type of injury Heni has that you can give a prognosis. I think you just have to take it with time.”

IOC member and FIG president Morinari Watanabe added his support.

“The solidarity and devotion that Henrietta Onodi’s friends and family are showing her are truly inspiring,” said Watanabe. “After such a tragedy, it is precious to be able to count on the support and kindness of those around you. I hope that it will give her the strength to continue her path to recovery, and I wish her the very best.”

In addition to her vault gold medal at Barcelona 1992, she also won silver on the floor exercise at those Games. She is the winner of three world championship medals, including a 1992 win on the vault, as well as several European titles.