Olympic Champion Katinka Hosszú Announces Retirement
Hungarian swimming legend to focus on coaching the next generation.
Katinka Hosszú, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and one of Hungary's most celebrated swimmers, has announced her retirement from competitive swimming at the age of 35.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Hosszú reflected on her 30-year career, describing the swimming pool as her home, where she found solace and strength.
She expressed a profound sense of fulfillment when looking back on her achievements.
'While the medals and records are valuable, what remains deeply ingrained in me is my eternal love for swimming,' Hosszú wrote.
'Even after hanging up my competitive swimsuit, the water continues to call me.
I still find immense joy in the strokes of my arms, the gentle splashes, and the peaceful solitude felt beneath the surface.'
Discussing her future plans, Hosszú shared her intent to inspire and mentor young swimmers.
'For me, swimming is not just a sport; it's a lifelong journey filled with love, growth, and the pursuit of excellence.
As I dive into each new day, I carry with me the lessons learned and my enduring faith in the sport,' she added.
Throughout her illustrious career, Hosszú claimed nine long course world championship titles, reaching her pinnacle at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she won gold medals in the 100-meter backstroke and both the 200 and 400-meter individual medleys, setting a world record in the latter.
She also earned a silver medal in the 200-meter backstroke event.
Hosszú’s retirement marks the end of an era in international swimming, where she was known as the 'Iron Lady' for her resilience, versatility, and ability to compete across multiple events.
As she transitions to coaching, Hosszú aims to impart the lessons and passion that propelled her to greatness, enriching the lives of aspiring swimmers and fostering the next wave of champions in the sport.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Hosszú reflected on her 30-year career, describing the swimming pool as her home, where she found solace and strength.
She expressed a profound sense of fulfillment when looking back on her achievements.
'While the medals and records are valuable, what remains deeply ingrained in me is my eternal love for swimming,' Hosszú wrote.
'Even after hanging up my competitive swimsuit, the water continues to call me.
I still find immense joy in the strokes of my arms, the gentle splashes, and the peaceful solitude felt beneath the surface.'
Discussing her future plans, Hosszú shared her intent to inspire and mentor young swimmers.
'For me, swimming is not just a sport; it's a lifelong journey filled with love, growth, and the pursuit of excellence.
As I dive into each new day, I carry with me the lessons learned and my enduring faith in the sport,' she added.
Throughout her illustrious career, Hosszú claimed nine long course world championship titles, reaching her pinnacle at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she won gold medals in the 100-meter backstroke and both the 200 and 400-meter individual medleys, setting a world record in the latter.
She also earned a silver medal in the 200-meter backstroke event.
Hosszú’s retirement marks the end of an era in international swimming, where she was known as the 'Iron Lady' for her resilience, versatility, and ability to compete across multiple events.
As she transitions to coaching, Hosszú aims to impart the lessons and passion that propelled her to greatness, enriching the lives of aspiring swimmers and fostering the next wave of champions in the sport.
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