In the fast lane: Nandor Nemeth and Hungary's proud swimming story

Hungary has long been a swimming powerhouse: its 28 gold medals prior to Paris 2024 help it rank as the fourth most successful country in Olympic swimming history.

For Nandor Nemeth, Olympic success is tantalizingly close. With only 100 meters of clear blue water standing between him and glory, the Hungarian swimmer is focused on making his mark in Paris.

As Nemeth dives into the pool, he quickly finds his rhythm. His racing heart and powerful muscles drive him forward, demonstrating the intensity of his training.

"I feel that I am in great condition and strong," Nemeth told CGTN before the Games. "I won't make any predictions, especially for the 100-meter swim event. It's incredibly unpredictable, and no one knows what to expect."

In the 100-meter freestyle, fractions of a second can make the difference between victory and defeat. Understanding the fierce competition he will face, Nemeth was ramping up his training as the Olympics approached.

"You've arrived at the perfect moment because we're in our toughest training phase," Nemeth said. "Wednesdays are particularly challenging for me, so the next three weeks will be grueling."

Nemeth trains multiple hours daily, six days a week, focusing on refining his turns and perfecting his final meters. He is dedicated to every aspect of his performance, knowing that even the smallest details can impact his results.

"I can't imagine a third place being over 47 seconds," Nemeth noted. "That's why I'm not only training physically in the pool but also mentally preparing to push myself to the finals. World records are within reach."

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As he prepares for Paris, Nemeth will face some familiar competitors. He has previously defeated several of them and recently earned a silver medal in the 100-meter breaststroke at the European Swimming Championships in Belgrade, as well as a bronze at the World Championships in Doha.

Despite his recent successes, Nemeth has yet to secure an Olympic medal, but he remains optimistic that this will change in Paris.

His coach, Zsolt Plaganyi, shares this belief. "He excelled in two major world events, and I anticipate another standout performance," Plaganyi said. "His speed is his strength, complemented by vast experience—he's reached the finals in 10 World Championships. I'm confident he will achieve a strong result."

For Nemeth, who started swimming at the age of six, every moment in the pool is a step towards fulfilling his Olympic dream. At 24, he has dedicated his life to this sport - and he hopes that when the timer stops in Paris, his long-awaited Olympic dream will have finally come true.

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