Hungarian Swimming Star Faces Training Ultimatum

Budapest – A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the future of Kristóf Milák, Hungary’s double Olympic medalist, as his club, Budapesti Honvéd, reportedly issued an ultimatum: resume training or forfeit his financial support. The situation has ignited a national conversation about the responsibilities of elite athletes and the balance between personal freedom and public investment.

Milák, 25, has been absent from training for over a year, raising concerns about his commitment to the sport. He has missed three World Championships since 2003, a significant absence for a swimmer of his caliber. The stakes are particularly high as Hungary prepares to host the 2027 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest and looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

A Matter of Obligation?

The debate quickly escalated, drawing opinions from prominent figures in Hungarian sport and economics. Ferenc Dénes, a sports economist and former government official, argued that Milák’s situation is ultimately a matter of personal choice.

“If Milák wants to swim, he swims. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t, and he finds a civilian job if he wants to earn a living,” Dénes stated. “The Hungarian state has created a safety net for elite athletes that allows them to live comfortably, even if they don’t perform. My employment contract isn’t any different than Kristóf Milák’s, and if that’s the case, the sanctions should be similar.”

However, others believe that accepting public funding carries inherent obligations. Pál Schmitt, a former President of Hungary and Olympic champion himself, emphasized the commitment required of professional athletes.

“You don’t have to be a professional athlete, but if you choose this path, it comes with obligations,” Schmitt said. “If those obligations, such as fulfilling your work duties, are not met, then you should choose a civilian profession. Someone needs to sit down with Kristóf and have a professional, empathetic conversation to end this passive resistance. After all, swimming is his livelihood.”

A National Asset

The sentiment that Milák represents a “national asset” was echoed by several commentators. Schmitt highlighted Milák’s potential to compete in both the 2027 World Championships and the 2028 Olympics, stressing that “life is a fleeting opportunity.” He also pointed out the significant investment the Hungarian swimming community has made in Milák’s development.

Attila Selmeci, former head coach who guided Milák to his first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo, expressed his support for Honvéd’s stance. “An Olympic champion must behave like an Olympic champion in everyday life. And right now, he isn’t. I’ve experienced firsthand that Kristóf is not an easy case, and patience runs out eventually. I still believe he will return to training and be ready to compete.”

The Question of Contractual Obligations

The core of the dispute may lie in the specifics of Milák’s contract with Budapesti Honvéd. Dénes Kemény, a renowned water polo coach and former federation president, raised a crucial point: “I’ve never had an employee who didn’t work and still received a salary. However, we don’t know the exact details of the contract between Honvéd and Milák. If there’s a clause allowing him a year and a half off after the Paris Olympics, he hasn’t breached the contract yet. Though I doubt that’s the case.”

Sándor Csötönyi, a former Hungarian Swimming Federation president, warned against a broader trend of athletes collecting salaries without fulfilling their commitments. “Unfortunately, in several sports, we see prominent athletes dangling the possibility of continuing their careers for months, even years, while continuing to receive their salaries, only to announce their retirement suddenly. Free money doesn’t exist – or at least, it shouldn’t.”

As of Monday, sources indicate that a resolution is expected within a week. The outcome will not only determine Milák’s future but also set a precedent for the expectations placed upon Hungary’s elite athletes.

(Image: Kristóf Milák, April 9, 2025. Photo: Szollár Zsófi / Index)