Hubert Kos Criticizes Kristof Milak for Skipping Relay Events at European Swimming Championships

Ashley Davis4 hours ago

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Hubert Kos Criticizes Kristof Milak for Skipping Relay Events at European Swimming Championships — Hubert Kos has public

Hubert Kos, the reigning Olympic and World Champion in the 200m backstroke, has taken aim at fellow Hungarian swimmer Kristof Milak, a double Olympic gold medalist in the 200m and 100m butterfly events, for his decision not to compete in relay events at the European Swimming Championships in Paris, scheduled from July 31 to August 17.

Both Milak and Kos are among Hungary’s top swimmers and part of a delegation of 24 athletes heading to Paris. The swimming competitions will take place from August 10 to 17.

In an interview with M4 Sport, Kos, who trains in the United States under the renowned coach Bob Bowman, criticized Milak’s choice to skip the relays, stating, “A true legend forms a team around them.” Kos emphasized that Milak’s absence from the relays represents missed opportunities for the Hungarian team, not just now but in future competitions, including World Championships and the Olympics.

Kristof Milak is celebrated for his butterfly stroke, having won gold and silver medals at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and aims for further success at the Paris Games in 2024. His accolades include four World Championship medals—three gold and one silver—and ten European medals, with eight golds and two silvers. Milak previously held world records in both the 200m and 100m butterfly events.

Milak’s Relay Participation at European Championships Limited

Milak has previously excelled in the 100m and 200m butterfly at three consecutive European Championships: Budapest 2021, Rome 2022, and Belgrade 2024. Of his eight European titles, one was achieved with the 4x200m freestyle relay team in 2022, and he also contributed to a silver medal win in the 4x100m freestyle relay.

Kos, who boasts six European medals, including three golds, expressed disappointment over Milak’s decision, noting that it reflects a self-centered approach rather than a team-oriented mindset. He remarked, “We know Kristof thinks differently, and while it does not diminish his talent, it shows he is only thinking of himself and not the team.” Kos suggested that, aside from his five individual events, he would have certainly participated in the relays.

The Hungarian delegation will feature 24 swimmers at the European Championships in Paris, five of whom will compete in open water events.

Hungary claimed 27 medals at the 2024 Championships in Belgrade, ten of which were gold, positioning them at the top of the medal table in swimming events.

Kos, who has yet to win European gold in the 200m backstroke—having won titles in the 200m individual medley and mixed 4x100m freestyle relay—believes this year’s European Championships will be more competitive than the previous ones held in Belgrade.