Hungarian multiple champion Katinka Hosszu: "My goal is the 100th medal"

When you get to win 97 medals at international events, it means that nothing happened by chance. It is the result of hard work, dedication and sacrifice. Katinka Hosszu, a versatile Hungarian champion, is a swimming legend at home. A resolute, committed and determined person, so much so that she has earned the nickname "The Iron Lady."
"My motto is 'hard work always pays off'. In this part of my career, I set myself a target: I'm the closest swimmer to 100 medals at international events, and it wouldn't be bad for someone nicknamed ‘The Iron Lady’ to get to a round number like this and be associated with such a big figure. That's why I do so many races, I never back down. A superpower I would like to have as Iron Lady? I would like to be able to fly and feel free, watching everything and everyone so small from above."

At the European Championships Roma 2022, Hosszu has already won a medal, a bronze, in the women's 4x200m freestyle, indeed her 97th medal. In addition, she had already made an impression at the 2009 world championships. "I adore Rome and Italy in general, and I'm happy whenever I come to this country to compete. I really like the food and the people. Also, I love swimming in Rome. I often come to the Sette Colli. I won my first world championships gold (in the 400m individual medley) here in 2009."

Her love for swimming started at a very young age thanks her grandfather. "Swim has always been part of my life. My grandfather was a swimming coach. Some time ago the people who run the pool told me that they used to change my diapers. I think I have spent more time in the pool than in kindergarten. I didn't swim because I had to, but because it enjoyed it."

And to this day, too, Katinka does not lose the desire and drive to get into the water and swim. Despite being 33 years old, she has still big plans. "I would like to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It would be my sixth Olympics, a nice number too. And after my swimming career, I would like to have a role where I can help athletes on the mental side. I studied psychology, I'm very interested in the mind and how you can change your perception of things quickly. Then I have my swimming school; and finally, there is my restaurant, where I want to teach Hungarians how to eat tasty and healthy, without spending too much. I have quite a few projects to follow after my swimming ends."