Born: 1974
Biography:
Krisztina Egerszegi (Hungarian pronunciation: [ˈkristinɒ ˈɛɡɛrsɛɡi]) is a Hungarian former world record-holding swimmer and one of the greatest Hungarian Olympic champions of the modern era. Born on August 16, 1974, she had an exceptional career that spanned from 1987 to 1996. Egerszegi’s achievements in the sport of swimming have left an indelible mark on the history of Hungarian and international swimming.
Egerszegi made her international debut at the age of 13, representing Hungary at the 1987 European Aquatics Championships. Despite her young age, she displayed remarkable talent and determination, finishing fourth in the 200m backstroke and fifth in the 100m backstroke. This competition served as a springboard for her future success and laid the foundation for her career.
The pinnacle of Egerszegi’s swimming career came at the Olympic Games, where she competed in three consecutive editions: 1988, 1992, and 1996. At the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, she won a silver medal in the 100m backstroke and became an Olympic champion in the 200m backstroke. At the age of just 14 years and 41 days, she became the youngest-ever female Olympic champion in swimming. This remarkable achievement solidified her status as a prodigious talent in the sport.
Egerszegi’s dominance continued into the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where she defended her title in the 200m backstroke, becoming the first female swimmer to win the same event at three consecutive Summer Olympics. This accomplishment placed her in an elite class of swimmers, alongside legends such as Dawn Fraser, Michael Phelps, and Katie Ledecky. Egerszegi also won a silver medal in the 100m backstroke at the Barcelona Games, further cementing her status as one of Hungary’s all-time sporting greats.
In her final Olympic appearance at the 1996 Atlanta Games, Egerszegi proved that she was still a force to be reckoned with. She once again secured the gold medal in the 200m backstroke, making her a five-time Olympic champion and the first female swimmer to achieve this feat. Her incredible performance and unwavering dedication to the sport made her an inspiration to future generations of swimmers.
Beyond the Olympic Games, Egerszegi also left her mark on the World Championships stage. In 1991, at the World Championships in Perth, Australia, she achieved a historic milestone by winning gold medals in both the 100m and 200m backstroke events. This made her the first Hungarian female swimmer to win gold at the World Championships, further solidifying her place in swimming history.
Throughout her career, Egerszegi held the world record in the long-course 200m backstroke for almost 17 years. Her incredible achievements in the pool earned her numerous accolades and recognition. In 2013, she was awarded the Hungarian Order of Saint Stephen, a prestigious honor that recognized her contributions to Hungarian swimming and sports in general.
Egerszegi’s impact extended beyond the boundaries of competitive swimming. Her achievements inspired countless individuals, especially young women, to pursue their dreams and strive for greatness. She served as a role model for aspiring athletes, showcasing the power of dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
Krisztina Egerszegi’s legacy in Hungarian and international swimming is nothing short of extraordinary. Her groundbreaking performances, record-breaking achievements, and inspiring presence continue to influence the sport to this day. She remains a true icon and an undisputed legend in the world of swimming.
Awards:
– Hungarian Order of Saint Stephen, 2013