A marathon swimming moment is to be remembered on August 9, 2024, as Kristof Rasovszky of Hungary emerged at the top of the men’s 10-kilometer rankings on the Seine River in Paris. It was the first gold for Rasovszky and the first for the country. He was hoping for a chance at redemption this time after missing out on gold in Tokyo 2020, coming up only inches short. However, now he returns here to Paris with but one thing on his mind: the redemption of that gold medal that has so far eluded him.
Rasovszky won Paris 10 km with Perfect preparation
Rasovszky at Paris was beyond brilliant. Taking control of the event at 6.6 km, he never gave up this lead. Strong currents from the Seine River shouldered him forward at each powerful stroke. In the background stood the imposing Eiffel Tower, witnessing his relentless charge to victory.
There was meticulous preparation behind Rasovszky’s success. He had trained hard on the Danube River back home in Hungary, where strong currents helped him prepare for the Seine. I was prepared for this, Rasovszky said after the race. A bit more confident, he also became when he watched Sharon van Rouwendaal of the Netherlands win gold in the corresponding women’s 10km race the previous day. Van Rouwendaal was, like Rasovszky, the silver medalist in Tokyo; Rasovszky took this as a positive omen.
Rasovszky Holds Off Klemet for Paris Gold
The situation remained the same as the final lap approached, even though German swimmer Oliver Klemet showed constant rivalry. Now, strong strokes by Klemet bridged the gap between the two swimmers to set up a thrilling finish. With Klemet chasing incessantly, Rasovszky held on and touched the pad in 1:50:52.7, only 2.1 seconds ahead of Klemet, who won silver.
The race also witnessed another Hungarian swimmer, David Bethlehem, go down in history as he took the bronze. David Bethlehem and Rasovszky are close friends and training partners, and with their finish, the two Hungarians climbed onto the podium in men’s marathon swimming for the first time.
Paris Gold Marks Hungary’s Rise
The race marked the end of an era for Florian Wellbrock of Germany, who won the event in Tokyo. In an early race lead, Wellbrock faded toward the end and placed eighth. The race will show just how unpredictable and competitive marathon swimming can get. This gold to Kristof Rasovszky meant more than a personal triumph; it was the stamp of the emerging supremacy of Hungary in open-water swimming. His journey from silver in Tokyo to gold in Paris was the epitome of the hard work and dedication he had put in. With two Hungarians on the podium and Rasovszky’s gold, it seems promising for Hungarian marathon swimming.
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