Thousands pay respects to water polo legend Benedek at Margaret Island

From fans, friends and coaches to former teammates, thousands of people gathered at Budapest's Margaret Island late on Thursday to pay their respects to three-time Olympic champion water polo player Tibor Benedek, who died, aged 47, earlier in the day after a long illness. The memorial at the Alfred Hajos National Swimming Stadium was organised by the Hungarian Water Polo Association and the Budapest-based water polo club UVSE. Many placed candles, flowers and photos of Benedek in front of the stadium's main entrance. The event was also attended by Tunde Szabo, the state secretary in charge of sports, Attila Vari, the head of the Hungarian Water Polo Association, Pal Schmitt, former Hungarian president who is a member of the International Olympic Committee and the honorary head of the Hungarian Olympic Committee, and Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony.