Istvan  Balyi

July  23rd, 1942 December  3rd, 2024
Istvan  Balyi

Obituary

Today, we take a moment to honour and celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Istvan Balyi, a pioneer in sport science whose influence will be felt for generations. Istvan’s journey was one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of athletes around the world.

Growing up and studying in Hungary under the shadow of a dictatorship, Istvan made the life-changing decision in 1974 to defect, leaving his homeland behind in search of freedom and opportunity. Arriving in Canada with little more than determination and a dream, he faced the daunting challenge of starting anew without his close friends and family and without speaking English. Despite these obstacles, Istvan’s talent, passion and work ethic quickly shone through.

His career in Canada began teaching physical education at the University of Montreal. Notably, he could not speak French, so each week he would painstakingly translate between a textbook in Hungarian, mirroring the same copy in French to make his cue cards. He concluded the introduction of his first class by stating: “il n'y aura pas de questions” – there will be no questions. This underpins both his work ethic and matter-of-fact personality perfectly.

Later, Istvan transitioned to working with the Canadian national ski team. It was during the dryland training camp that he observed a critical gap: the athletes lacked fundamental movement skills, which he attributed to the pitfalls of early specialization. This insight, combined with his deep knowledge of Eastern Bloc sport science methodologies, inspired him to begin working on the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model—a framework that would revolutionize how athletes are trained and nurtured across the world.

As the principal architect of LTAD, Istvan’s influence extended far beyond Canada. His work reshaped athlete development programs globally, offering a comprehensive approach that emphasized physical literacy, skill acquisition, and long-term success over early results. His expertise in periodization and planning was widely sought after, leading him to consult for over 50 sports organizations across more than 20 countries. He authored papers and textbooks and was later recognized with an honorary doctorate from his home University in Hungary.

Over his distinguished career, Istvan collaborated with numerous Canadian national teams and played a vital role in preparing athletes for Olympic success. His teachings on periodization and his visionary LTAD model were adopted and adapted by coaches and sports organizations worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the world of sport. His relentless work ethic and numerous achievements in the world of sport perfectly embody his favourite mantra: “focus on the process and not the outcome”

Those foundational teachings led to the formation of a team of champions to consult across all Canadian national sport organizations and beyond. Istvan’s dynamic, passionate nature mixed with his Eastern European directness drew a group together that changed Canadian sport. It also led to the creation of Sport for Life, which continues to serve as a legacy to another Istvan mantra: “medals are a bi-product of a healthy society”.

In his personal life, Istvan was also deeply appreciated by his family and friends. He had a passion for reading, music, and cooking. He loved spicy peppers and if you spent enough time around him you would regularly see him eating these peppers raw his meals as if it was a normal appetizer.

Istvan Balyi’s life is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and a passion for helping others achieve their best. His legacy as a trailblazer in sport science and a champion for athlete development will continue to inspire and guide generations to come.

Rest in peace, Istvan. Your contributions have forever changed the landscape of sport, and your memory will live on in the countless lives you touched.

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February 6, 2025
I was so very sad to hear of the loss of Istvan. My life as a coach was impacted greatly by Istvan. In the 1990's I took many of his courses and met with him frequently down at the old BC Sport office in Victoria. He always had the time and the passion to pass on such great information and advice, especially before I was about to head off to a major competition. Istvan spent many hours in the room with curling. He brought theories and protocols that influence us to this day. Istvan was one of a kind. He became my friend, and a huge friend of curling. He made every room better just by being in it. Curling loved Istvan and Istvan loved Curling! Sincere condolences to Istvan's family, Istvan truly made a difference and he will be missed.
Elaine Dagg-Jackson
February 5, 2025
I am deeply saddened to learn of Istvan’s passing. We first met back in 1980 together with Gabor at the NSRC where we were all contributing towards sport development. Your presentations at Sport Canada were always appreciated and I will always remember you starting with « I speak 5 languages and none of them very well! « You will be missed in the world of sport. My condolences to family and friends.
Annette Wildgoose
February 5, 2025
I had the privilege of attending a seminar hosted by Istvan in 1998 at the NCI, and it truly changed the trajectory of my life. His wisdom, passion, and remarkable ability to make complex topics easy to understand had a profound impact on me. Thanks to that seminar, I made the decision to build my life around coaching. Istvan’s leadership and influence in the world of sport will be missed by many. Sending my love to his family and friends.
Jennifer Hood
February 5, 2025
We have lost a true icon in our country. Istvan with his ground breaking wisdom and determination to make a better system will be his legacy. I was fortunate enough to know him and I tried to soak in everything he said. He was always willing to come to Kamloops to work with us at PacificSport and everyone who attending his sessions gained a lot. We will miss you Istvan. Thank you for your many years and friendship. Sending you Boomer hugs...you always liked those.
Carolynn Boomer
February 4, 2025
So sad to hear the passing of Istvan. No other person made me think about sport the way Istvan did. It truly changed the direction of my life. He was such a passionate man about that which he knew to a level I have never again seen. I was lucky enough to see this on a daily basis for a year at the NCI in Victoria. I send my best wishes to his family, close friends and colleagues.
Michael Hood
February 3, 2025
Istvan's journey with Curling Canada was remarkable. He checked all the critical boxes... subject matter expert, performance advisor, HP leader, valued member of the community and friend of the curling family. He liked us and we loved him!! He was our game changer! We needed to know what he knew and he willingly shared his know-how with us in such a motivating manner. A bona fide difference maker in the Canadian Sport System and an everlasting legacy. I loved being in the same room with Istvan and miss his unwavering eye contact, the palpable intensity and absolute certainty that resided within this exceptional man. We are forever in his debt and send our heartfelt condolences to his family. As you reflect, do so with profound pride.
His passionate professionalism lives on.....Gerry Peckham
Gerry Peckham
February 3, 2025
This is very sad news about Istvan’s passing. As part of my role as a national coach at the English FA I collaborated with istvan from 2002-2009 approximately to produce the LTAD guides for women’s football. Documents that had significant effect on the women’s development pathway. Istvan was a wonderful collaborator and always willing to share his knowledge and ideas. I for one was profoundly grateful for the time we spent working together. RIP Istvan
Brent hills
February 2, 2025
An incredible human being who had an immeasurable impact on sport in Canada. I learned so much from Istvan over many years. His sense of humour, passion, and incredible knowledge will be remembered. ❤️
Sheilagh Croxon
February 2, 2025
What an epic, inspiring story he wrote for himself. I was emotional reading the beautifully written obit thinking about the intentionality and passion he used to guide his life. Feel lucky to have known him through his partnership with Richard and work in sport. Much love to his wife, family, and others close to him.
Wanda Rozwadowska
February 2, 2025
I am very saddened to hear the news of Istvan’s passing. His knowledge and expertise shaped so many people and sports, both in Canada and across the world. I had the privilege and pleasure of working alongside Istvan during his manny trips to the UK, which included several memorable trips to Canadian Coaching Conferences. My thoughts are with Istvan’s family, close friends, and colleagues.
Graham Ross
February 2, 2025
Very sad news to hear of Istvan’s passing. His straightforward approach in the CSA development of LTAD was invaluable. I always remember him saying soccer’s development plan was like spaghetti against a wall. He was a major reason things are much better today. My thoughts and prayers to his wife, family and friends.

Sean Fleming
Sean Fleming
February 1, 2025
What a good man was my friend Istvan. I hadn’t seen him in ages but life is like that. I smile broadly when I think of he and I having dinner during the 1999 Canada Winter Games in Cornerbrook NL. We were sampling the local fare which want exactly to his liking. But as was his want, he pulled the spicy sauce bottle from his pocket and drown that cod and hard tack ! He contributed so much to sport in BC and specifically to Team BC. I am grateful for his knowledge and thankful for having known him.
RIP my friend
Kelly Mann
February 1, 2025
The passing of a legend! For everyone who came in contact with Istvan we became smarter - that was his gift - he led us to think differently, to plan smarter, to build better systems - this is his great legacy and I thank him for that.
I appreciated the time spent with him and the guidance he provided to me. Thank you Istvan
Drew Mitchell
February 1, 2025
It is so nice to see the condolences and memories of Istvan. He made such an impact on sports in Canada and around the World. Recently, at the Sport for Life Summit, we did an eulogy for Istvan, which resulted in many delegates expressing the profound impact he made on them. So, to honour Istvan, I share three bits of wisdom he would express: stop peaking by Friday, medals are a result of a healthy society; with one ass, you cannot ride two horses; his wisdom will live on within us. His passion was always present, whether educating, cooking or sharing peppers, he will missed.
Richard Way
February 1, 2025
I was so sad to hear the news of Istvan's passing! I was at a coaching session at Loughborough University in 2002, where he spoke about LTAD a new concept in England. I had a 5 minute conversation with him to be told "If you want to be a really good coach you need to come to the NCI in Canada!". I checked out the NCI and booked my ticket to Canada! He was my mentor and a great help to me during the course. Condolences to his family.
Maxine Siklenka
February 1, 2025
Thank you all for your kind comments and support. Istvan and I were married for 34 years. He was a kind and generous man who gave a lot and never asked for anything in return
I loved him very much and not a day goes by when I don’t miss him.
Ann Hamilton-Balyi
January 27, 2025
Very sad to learn Istvan passing. Like many other, I had the privilege to work with him to develop the LTD for young cyclists. Istvan had the talent to make concepts adapted to practice. He was a great man in the Canadian Sport System.
Condolences to his family.
Pierre Hutsebaut
January 26, 2025
I was terribly saddened to hear of Istvan's passing. We worked together many times as he helped to re-shape the athlete development models of sports in the Team BC program of the Canada Games. He also encouraged me to write about my own sport through a series of articles we prepared together on long term development before I really even knew what LTD meant! We had great experiences and great laughs and what I learned shaped me in so many ways through my life. Such was his magic. He will be missed and his contribution to sport in Canada has been extraordinary!

My deepest condolences to his family.
Charles Parkinson
January 24, 2025
A great loss to the Canadian sport system but we are all stronger and wiser because of Istvan’s work and passion. I had the privilege of working alongside Istvan at the NCI and learned so much from him that has helped me in my career to this day.

My condolences to his family and be comforted to know that Istvan was truly a difference maker in so many lives.
Andy Van Neutegem
January 24, 2025
Such sad news and such a loss to sport in Canada. I learned a great deal from Istvan and will always remember his warmth and generosity in sharing his knowledge and his passion for learning.
Sheila Robertson
January 24, 2025
It is a heavy heart that I learn of Istvan’s passing.
In the 1970’s, He taught at the University of Ottawa. He was my professor in at least 3 courses including my year long honors undergrad research paper.
He was very conscientious about our learning outcome and success.
I also remember when he brought the Canadian ski team to the University of Ottawa swimming pool. It was amazing watching these elite athletes go off the diving boards with Istvan watching them.
Rest In Peace!!
My condolences to his family and friends
Dominique Champeau
January 23, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Istvan as part
of my coaching diploma program at the National Coaching Institute in Victoria in 1996. He was so knowledgeable in international sport, long term athlete development and yearly training plans. I enjoyed his presentations, seminars and kindness. He was one of a kind and always willing to help and always with a smile. I learned so much from him and I went on to have a great career in coaching. My condolences to his family.
Linda Henderson
January 23, 2025
Istvan shaped such an incredible legacy. He patiently and thoughtfully share his knowledge of athlete development and physical literacy. For those of us who learned from him... and the Canadian and international sport system has so many of us... you came away from those engagements not only richer in your knowledge, but also more grounded and connected to what we were doing this work.

I am grateful for the learnings and for the time I had with Istvan.

My thoughts and love go out to his family.
Andrea Carey
January 23, 2025
To a life well lived that shaped the lived. Istvan was not only a brilliant sports scientist, thought leader, and mentor but also an all-around good person. As I think about Istvan, my entire career in sports passes through my mind, nourished by great moments spent with him. While the memories are countless, none is fonder than his encouragement to visit Budapest as part of my honeymoon and a Hungarian cookbook that came in the mail a few days later with Istvan's handwritten notes of where to visit and have each of the traditional dishes. You will be remembered always.
Douglas Duncan
January 22, 2025
Words (written or otherwise) fail me utterly. My mind is awash with memories of Istvan's presentations, remembering conversations with him, countless seminars, conferences, trips (abroad and at home) ... everything and everywhere! His 'Istvan-isms', piercing observations and witty comments ... I am smiling as I write this, so many images, soundbites, memory 'video-clips' cascading around my head. Then, of course, the realization of never having new experiences or time with him again. Sigh ... will never forget you, Istvan ... my thoughts and feelings are with his family, friends, and colleagues. Adieu, my friend.
Stephen Norris
January 22, 2025
Istvan blew my mind in 2001 when he tasked me to plan out the developer path of a snowboarder from learning to turn to winning an Olympic gold medal. The blank
Paper on my desk stared at me for 4 years. By 2005 he provided a 7 stage framework that enabled me to finally succeed. It seems that he enabled 1000’s if not 100 000 of people to do that they put his lifetime.

He forever changed sport in Canada and around the world.

Thank you for the inspiration Istvan.
Christian Hrab
January 22, 2025
So sad to learn of Istvan's passing. Such a great guy. Terrific sense of humour - we shared a love of the Far Side cartoon. Istvan's trips to New Brunswick to spread the word on all things Sport for Life contributed so much. Rest in Peace my friend.
Steve Harris
January 22, 2025
I first met Istvan taking my NCCP Level IV task on Long Term Athlete Development back in the late 90s at a conference. I was in awe as a young coach trying to better understand athlete development. Fast forward about 10-12 years, working at CKC I had the opportunity to work closely and learn from Istvan as we continued to build on the initial LTD framework. His work, and more important integrity, kindness, passion and integrity will leave a legacy in sport.
Peter Niedre
January 16, 2025
What a wonderful legacy Istvan has left to the sports community.
Condolences and love are sent to his family.
Caroline Bowles
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