Former swimmer Dániel Gyurta, Olympic and world champion, has been appointed president of the Hungarian Olympic Academy. At 35, with a successful career behind him, Gyurta now takes on the responsibility of guiding the next generation of Hungarian athletes. His appointment was announced by the Hungarian Olympic Committee (MOB), highlighting his commitment to the development of sports in the country.

Gyurta, who has served as a member of the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission, also holds a degree in economics. His greatest sporting achievement was winning the gold medal in the 200-meter breaststroke at the 2012 London Olympics, where he set a world record. Additionally, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he earned a silver medal in the same event, solidifying his place as one of the top breaststroke swimmers of his generation.

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Throughout his career, Gyurta has been a symbol of sportsmanship. His gesture of gifting a replica of his Olympic gold medal to the family of the late Norwegian swimmer Alexander Dale Oen earned him the UNESCO International Fair Play Award. This recognition highlights his belief in the importance of competing with honor and respect, values he intends to instill in his new role.

Gyurta’s accolades also include world titles in 2009 and 2011, earning him multiple Hungarian Sportsman of the Year awards. His ability to defend his title in the 200-meter breaststroke placed him among the best swimmers in history in that discipline.

After announcing his retirement from swimming in 2021 due to a series of injuries, Dániel Gyurta is now ready to take on this new challenge outside the pool, determined to contribute to the development of sports and the promotion of Olympic values in Hungary.