Staying Active
Jenő Burján teaches, coaches, trains, and competes—because he believes that sports are about more than just performance.
“I can say without exaggeration that he is one of our city’s iconic sports figures, who is involved in every local sports initiative,”
—whether as organizers or participants—Jenő Burján. The 44-year-old athlete’s favorite pastime is pushing his own limits, but he has also made it his mission, as a physical education teacher, to encourage the young people under his guidance to take up sports and make daily exercise a part of their lives.
It is not easy to paint a simple picture of Jenő Burján, as his commitment to sports is so multifaceted. He started out playing soccer at the former VILE youth training center, where he had the opportunity to work with such outstanding coaches as Károly Bartalfi and László Belső. In addition to soccer, he was also drawn to track and field: he was 12 years old when, one afternoon, he was running laps around the Cholnoky track and was spotted by László Koós Hutás, coach of Veszprém University and Student Athletic Club (VEDAC). He was recruited for training and has since been a dedicated member, supporter, and helper of VEDAC.
He graduated from the sports program at Vetési Albert High School, then studied to become a technical manager at the University of Pannonia. However, he soon realized that this was not the path for him. He continued his studies in Szombathely, where he graduated with a degree in physical education. During his time at the high school and in the county seat of Vas, he formed decades-long sports friendships that continue to shape his life to this day.
He shares a close friendship with Gábor Kavalecz, a former physical education teacher, currently the registrar at the Veszprém Vocational Training Center, with whom he has participated in countless joint sporting events and competitions. Kava—as Jenő calls his friend—came up with the idea on the spot to do the Ironman. This happened in 2009.
The Ironman—meaning “iron man”—is a long-distance triathlon competition in Nagyatád, consisting of a 3.8-kilometer swim, 180 kilometers of cycling, and a 42.195-kilometer, relaxed marathon await the participants.
“I don’t think we even realized what we were getting ourselves into. I can’t imagine how we had the nerve to set out without any special preparation. In the end, I completed the course in 12:27. What bothered me the most was that I walked quite a bit during the run. When I crossed the finish line, I thought to myself that I’d like to become an Ironman someday, so I’ll train thoroughly and see what I’m capable of. Since then, I’ve managed to improve that time, shaving it down to 9:41. I’m especially proud of this, since only eight people in Veszprém have managed a time similar to or better than mine so far. It’s interesting because even today I think that if everything comes together, I might even be capable of a time around 9:20. Right now, though, I’m far from that; I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to beat my personal best,”
– says Jenő.
The physical education teacher at SÉF Catering & Tourism Technical and Vocational School has tried all triathlon distances since 2010, competing in sprint, short, middle, and long-distance events with excellent results. There were instances where he won the national championship in his age group or made it to the podium— for example, in sprint, middle-distance, and long-distance races.
In addition to triathlons, he has tested himself in various running competitions. He has run marathons in New York, Boston, Chicago, Berlin, and Valencia, among other cities, and achieved a personal best of 2:40. He proudly notes that in the year he achieved this time, he ranked eighth in the national rankings, including professional runners. In Lisbon, he ran a 1:16 in the half marathon, his personal best.
“A few years ago, I decided I’d rather seek out mid-distance challenges, because long-distance training would take up a lot of time. The Mecca of triathletes is Hawaii, where I once wanted to go myself. In recent years, however, a real revolution has taken place in the sport. It has developed at an astonishing pace, and those who can afford these advancements—both in equipment and training— enjoy a massive advantage over ordinary amateurs. However, the marketers of the Hawaii Ironman have also realized that there has never been such demand for their race, which is why, traditional race, they are also organizing a half-distance event,”
– we learned.
That’s why this distance is no walk in the park, so no one should think that completing the 1.9-kilometer swim, the 90-kilometer bike ride, and the 21-kilometer half-marathon run is that easy. Jenci believed it would be easier to qualify in this event, so he competed in variousand, with the results he achieved there, he managed to secure his spot in Hawaii. This challenge will take place on May 30, where the young man from Veszprém will also be on the starting line in the 40–44 age group.
Of course, the question arises: how does he finance all of this? The answer is quite practical: with two jobs. In addition to his teaching position, he works as a dormitory supervisor at the high school dormitory.
“I’m really pushing my limits working two jobs. On top of that, I’m involved in organizing numerous local sporting events, which is a third job. I need money for the competitions, registration fees, lodging, and travel. However, I have very little free time outside of work, and I have to plan my day very carefully so that I can train properly and so that it makes sense to take part in these challenges at all. To be honest, this isn’t a complaint at all. I’m following my own path, and I don’t regret a thing. I have an amazing life,”
– he says.
He also mentions that, as a physical education teacher, he wants to set an example for his students. That’s why he strives to be as fit and athletic as possible. He feels lucky that he can connect with the kids. As a teacher, he has found that most young people are not in good physical condition, so he has had to lower the grading standards. However, he believes that physical education should be a positive experience that students enjoy, which is why positive motivation has worked for him. He says this is good for everyone.
One of the latest long jump prospects in athletics, adult Hungarian champion Botond Horváth, also attends SÉF school. Jenő noticed that Botond and other talented athletes like him have a big influence on the others; they are true motivators. Several of his students decided to try their hand at track and field. And he is happy because those who go to trainings aren’t fiddling with their phones, and at the same time, sports give them a positive outlook, making them healthier and, in his opinion, more balanced and happier.
He adds that he couldn’t live without sports. He knows there’s a need for longer breaks and recovery, but he can’t go more than a week or two without it. He must go. He must find challenges. He’s noticed that as long as he’s doing it, moving, he’s fine. But if he rests, he immediately starts feeling pain here and there. That’s why her motto is: walk, do things, and exercise as much as possible.
Author: Rita Bényi-Virág