Hungarian Swimming Star Kristóf Milák Commits to 2028 Olympics Amid Training Disputes

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Hungarian swimmer Kristóf Milák, the world-record holder in multiple events, has affirmed his intention to train for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics despite recent instability in his training schedule and funding. Milák's club team, Budapest Honved, has issued an ultimatum requiring him to resume regular in-pool training or risk losing the organization's substantial financial support. The Hungarian Swimming Federation has also threatened to withdraw Milák's monthly scholarship worth approximately $1,500 USD due to his prolonged absences from competition.

Why it matters

Milák is one of Hungary's most prominent and successful athletes, holding multiple world records and Olympic medals. His potential absence from major competitions due to training disputes would be a significant blow to the country's swimming program and its aspirations for the 2028 Olympics. The situation highlights the challenges elite athletes can face when balancing training, competition, and maintaining support from their clubs and national federations.

The details

According to reports, Milák has been absent from the pool for 16 months, instead focusing on dry-land training with his fitness coach, Gyorgy Zala. Budapest Honved, the multi-sport organization that pays Milák a substantial salary, has demanded that he resume regular in-water training or risk losing the club's support. Istvan Gergely, the Executive Chairman of Budapest Honved and a two-time Olympic gold medalist in water polo, stated that Milák's training in the pool had effectively ceased. The Hungarian Swimming Federation has also reportedly considered withdrawing the Gerevich Scholarship, a monthly stipend of approximately 500,000 Hungarian forints ($1,500 USD), due to Milák's lack of competitive appearances.

• In April 2024, Milák returned to action at the Hungarian National Championships after a year of absence, where he won five gold medals and one silver, though he remained far from his personal bests.
• Prior to that 2024 appearance, Milák had declared a need for rest and missed the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka in 2023.
• Milák began training again in September 2023, but eventually moved away from pool work once more to focus on strength and conditioning with Gyorgy Zala.
• Milák returned to pool training in the final week of February 2024, with coach Balazs Virth noting at the time that the swimmer was in better shape than expected.
• Milák's most recent appearance was at the 2025 Hungarian National Championships, where he won national titles in the 100 free and 200 fly, and finished as the runner-up in the 50 and 100 fly events.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The situation regarding Milák's training and funding remains unresolved, with Budapest Honved and the Hungarian Swimming Federation expected to make a definitive decision on his status in the coming weeks.