László Cseh is one of the greatest icons in Hungarian swimming and for sure, he will be the same at the 17th FINA World Championships. Cseh has a huge career behind him and now at the age of 32 he has the opportunity to swim in front of the home crowd at his eighth World Championships.
Cseh has before what energy level and drive the home crowd can bring, since he participated in three European Championship Hungary has hosted before. As a matter of fact thanks to his qualities he was able to do his very best and make best use of his energy in front of foreign audiences as well. It is also demonstrated by his tally of 12 medals from World Champs. In Budapest he will enter 50, 100 and 200m butterfly.
László Cseh is the only male swimmer to have claimed medals at seven consecutive World Championships. In 2003 he clinched silver in 400m medley in Barcelona, this was the first medal wile the most recent is from Kazan, he finished second in 100m butterfly. He has collected a total of 2 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze medals at World Championships so far.
Hungary is about to host the World Championships for the first time in its history, however several European Championships have been staged here therefore László Cseh knows what it feels like racing at an international tournament in front of home crowd. In 2006 he collected 2 gold and 1 silver in Budapest, in 2010 he won 2 gold medals here while in 2012 he clinched 3 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals in Debrecen.
He may continue to grow his amazing medal tally in Duna Arena.
We have very little time left until the World Championships, yet swimming events will begin somewhat later, in the second week of the World Champs. Last week you were preparing here in Duna Arena. Was it easier, calmer, more intense to map and test the venue this time compared to Budapest Cup at the beginning of June?
Training in Duna Arena is very pleasant, both pools are excellent, this was my conclusion back in June already. The competition pool is fast, swimming in it feels great, the only thing I missed was scoreboards since it matters a lot when turning. It is also important to ensure ideal water temperature, everything is alright in the complex really. This was the last time we were here, the complex will be quite busy from Monday, we will spend the last two weeks in Törökbálint again. We need some peace and quiet before returning here for the World Championships.
Looking up to the grandstands, especially to the top, is an extraordinary experience, just as it is the other way round looking down to the competition pool from above. Soon Duna Arena will be fully packed with people, does it put any pressure on you?
Actually, yes, I wouldn’t want to walk up there, it must be rather exhausting. I really like the complex, it is spacious, I am sure the audience will encourage us greatly. It is always special to race in front of home crowd. It is definitely not easier to swim in home environment, yet I am sure the audience will boost us. This will be the first time World Championships are hosted by Hungary, it will sure be a remarkable experience for all of us.
Find the complete interview here.
(Via: fina-budapest2017.com)