The Hungarian swimmer Kristof Milak holds world and European records, along with being the reigning Olympic champion in the 200m butterfly. He is known for his powerful underwater dolphin kick and his ability to maintain a high speed throughout the entire race. However, like any other athlete, he has faced his fair share of both triumphs and challenges.
In June 2023, he made a courageous decision to withdraw from the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, citing the importance of his mental and physical well-being over his competitive career. However, there’s a silver lining to his story.
A journey to the Paris Olympics
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Swim Nerd recently shared a post on X about Kristof Milak and captioned it as, “Back training since early September after 2.5 months off… Entered in Budapest World Cup 50/100 Fly and 50/100/200 Free… The focus is on Paris.” This determination shows his serious commitment to competing in the Paris Olympics and aiming for medal victories.
Kristof Milak:
? Back training since early September after 2.5 months off
? Entered in Budapest World Cup ? 50/100 Fly and 50/100/200 Free
? Focus is on Paris#swimming pic.twitter.com/LffQgemvoJ? SWIMNERD (@SwimNerds) October 12, 2023
In June, after he withdrew from the competition, he candidly expressed, ?I felt unprepared, both physically and mentally, to compete against the world’s elite swimmers at that time.? While Milak has not publicly discussed the specifics of his mental health struggles, he has disclosed that he is actively working with a therapist and is firmly dedicated to prioritizing his mental health and overall well-being. Despite the hurdles he’s faced, his determination to succeed in the world of swimming remains?resolute, as he continues to strive for more medals.
Milak’s record-breaking triumph
Kristof Milak made waves when he obliterated a 10-year-old world record held by legendary swimmer Michael Phelps. At the 2019 World Swimming Championships in South Korea, Milak clinched the gold medal in the 200m butterfly event, finishing with an astonishing time of 1:50.73. This remarkable achievement eclipsed Phelps’ prior record of 1:51.51, which had remained unbroken since 2009.
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Milak said, “It’s a tremendous honour to set such a great record, Until 14, I was a backstroke, and later I focused on the butterfly.” At the age of 19, Milak became the youngest champion in the 200m butterfly since Phelps clinched victory as an 18-year-old in 2003.
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Kristof Milak, a swimmer with impressive records, faced personal challenges, withdrawing from the World Championships in 2023 to prioritize his well-being. Now, he’s resolutely training for the Paris Olympics, showing his unwavering determination to achieve more medals.
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