Career
She held the first world record in the 400 m individual medley in 1953. Earlier in 1941 Székely set a national speed record, although she was barely allowed to start because she was a Jew. She was excluded from competition for the next four years, and survived the Holocaust partly because she was a famous swimmer.
In 1976 she was inducted to the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
She wrote three books, one of which was translated to other languages. Only winners are allowed to cry! (Sírni csak a győztesnek szabad!) Budapest, 1981, Magvető Kiadó
I came, I saw, I lost? (Jöttem, láttam… Vesztettem?) Budapest, 1986, Magvető Kiadó
I Swam lieutenant/I Survived (Megúsztam) Budapest, 1989, Sport Kiadó.