The ISSF mourns the death of Tibor Gonczol, a dedicated and distinguished colleague, who passed away on 2 January 2014, at the age of 80. Mr. Gonczol served the ISSF for more than 30 years. He was first elected to the ISSF Pistol Committee in 1971 and served as an active member of that committee through 2002. During his time of ISSF service, he was honored by the presentation of the ISSF Silver and Gold Medals for distinguished service.
Mr. Gonczol was born in Hungary and emigrated from there to Australia. He was an international class pistol shooter who competed in the 1964 Olympic Games and the 1962, 1966 and 1970 World Championships as a member of the Australian national team. He became the National Coach for Pistol Australia and was active in that position for many years. He also served as the Coach of the Indian National Pistol Team during the 1990s and was a coach or lecturer on pistol shooting in many countries, especially in Asia. Gonczol served as the Pistol Team Manager for many Australian teams that participated in ISSF Championships during the 1970s and 1980s.
Tibor Gonczol lived an extraordinarily active life that was dedicated to all aspects of the shooting sports from competing as an active international class athlete to sharing his knowledge as a teacher and coach in many countries to serving the ISSF as a Jury and Pistol Committee Member.
The ISSF extends its sincere condolences to his family and many friends in the worldwide shooting community.