Kristof Milak<\/strong> anchored Hungary to gold in the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay with a 1:44.42 split as the nation claimed its 100th title at the European Championships in Rome.<\/p>\n The Hungarian quartet won a fascinating tussle – in which France led for much of the race – in 7:05.38, a national record lowering the mark of 7:06.27 set at the World Championships<\/strong> in Budapest in June.<\/p>\n Italy came back strong on the final 50 to take silver in 7:06.25 with Stefano Di Cola<\/strong> splitting 1:45.36 – the second fastest of the entire field.<\/p>\n France – who held a 0.96 lead at the final changeover were third in 7:06.97.<\/p>\n Milak’s split begs the question of what he will produce in the individual event where he would meet the likes of world champion David Popovici<\/strong> and Olympic gold medallist Tom Dean<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Olympic 200 fly champion paid tribute to his teammates and the historic medal they claimed, saying:<\/p>\n \u201cIt was easy to finish it off like this after my three fantastic buddies did a brilliant job.<\/p>\n “This was a great race and we all feel great to win Hungary\u2019s 100th European Championship gold medal in swimming.<\/p>\n “I think it\u2019s more than fitting that a relay achieved that. Everyone took it very seriously and swim his maximum, and that brought us victory.<\/p>\n “Now we just need to carry on like this in the coming days.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Di Cola added:<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m really happy, we left the Budapest Worlds with a bitter taste (after finishing ninth).<\/p>\n “Now I\u2019m really happy to be back on the podium as it was a very nice race. We are a great group of swimmers. The crowd carried me all the way.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n