Swimming World Called It on Dani Gyurta Three Years Ago

By Charlie Yourd

August 17. WHO says breaststrokers don't race fast 1500's?

Fifteen year-old Dani Gyurta of Hungary is the top qualifier from prelims and semifinals in the men's 200m breaststroke at the Olympics. His morning swim was 2:11.29. His evening swim was 2:10.75.

Some of you will remember back to the summer of 2001 when the WAVES team newsletter reprinted a page from Swimming World magazine profiling the just turned 12 year-old.

The photo of the very tired looking young Danny Gyurta (age 12) was accompanied by the quote, "I will win the 200 meter breaststroke at the 2004 Olympics with a new world record. I know I will be 15, but I know I can do it."

Whether he wins gold or not, he's already proved what happens when hard work and determination join with talent.

He also provides a good example of why it can be better to just focus on a single season-ending meet. With his strong background of distance training when young, he isn't afraid to race long events. Less than six weeks ago, on July 8, Gyurta finished third in the 1500m freestyle, going 15:55, on the first day of the Hungarian National Championships. On July 8, Americans were starting the second day of the US Olympic Trials.

Here is Swimming World's profile of 12 year-old Dani Gyurta:
Age 12
Height 5-5
Weight 110 pounds
Best Times (LCM)
400 FS 4:30.60
800 FS 9:19.47
200 BS 2:25.47
400 IM 4:59.84

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use