Pál Schmitt is a Hungarian politician and former athlete who served as the President of Hungary from 2010 to 2012. He was born on May 13, 1942, in Budapest. Before entering politics, Schmitt was a successful fencer, winning multiple medals, including gold at the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games. In addition to his athletic career, Schmitt held various political positions, including serving as the Speaker of the National Assembly. His presidency ended amid controversy over allegations of plagiarism in his doctoral thesis, leading to his resignation in April 2012.