{"id":609691,"date":"2025-04-12T05:29:12","date_gmt":"2025-04-12T12:29:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=609691"},"modified":"2025-04-12T05:29:12","modified_gmt":"2025-04-12T12:29:12","slug":"accepting-the-challenge-how-zalan-sarkany-takes-on-a-brutal-event-schedule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/accepting-the-challenge-how-zalan-sarkany-takes-on-a-brutal-event-schedule\/","title":{"rendered":"Accepting the Challenge: How Zalan Sarkany Takes On a Brutal Event Schedule"},"content":{"rendered":"

Accepting the Challenge: How Zalan Sarkany Takes On a Brutal Event Schedule<\/strong><\/p>\n

2550 yards of individual racing. For many collegiate distance swimmers, this total is often the reality of a championship meet; the 400 IM, 500 Free, and of course the brutal 1650 packed into three short days. That schedule doesn\u2019t even count additional relays, warmup, or warmdown, piling onto a ridiculous workload. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a challenge physically and mentally for anyone bold enough to take it on. And yet, many have found success with it, as over the past three years, at least three male and two female A-Finalists at the meet have participated in all three. None perhaps have had as much success with the treacherous lineup as Indiana junior <\/span>Zal\u00e1n Sarkany, now the back-to-back NCAA champion in the 1650. Sarkany has dealt with the schedule for three years now, still managing to place higher in the respective events every subsequent year of the meet. I spoke to the Hungarian Olympian on how he handles this workload in and out of the pool.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Leading Up to Meet Day<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s obvious that to succeed in this schedule of events, a great aerobic capacity is needed. But Sarkany pointed to a different method which he credited for his endurance: Open water swimming. \u201cThe mental challenge that comes with swimming those long distances has made (distance swimming) easier,\u201d said Sarkany. \u201cIt\u2019s been really beneficial.\u201d\u00a0 Through swimming longer distances than available in short course swimming, Sarkany has been better able to handle the grind of his three-event schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another factor the Olympian pointed to as important was his pre-meet diet. Sarkany makes sure to get in a serious load of carbohydrates, perhaps even more than suggested. \u201cThe two nights before I race, I always eat a full pizza,\u201d he said with a smile. \u201cAlthough it\u2019s not my nutritionist\u2019s favorite (advice).\u201d The swimmer described the carbs as \u201cgiving him the energy he needed\u201d to get through the grueling events, despite the lack of other health benefits. \u201cIt\u2019s not for everybody,\u201d he laughed. \u201cBut it\u2019s definitely worked for me.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Focusing Mentally<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A huge aspect of these three events before racing is the mental side. Longer events force one to be alone with their thoughts for longer stretches. This isolation can be challenging, as worries have more time to sprout in a 14-minute mile than a 17-second 50. To deal with this challenge, Sarkany sought outside help, in the form of a mental sports coach. \u201cI talk to my sports coach before every meet,\u201d Sarkany said. \u201cIt helps me get (my mind) right.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Sarkany pointed to a specific moment at the World Championship s in 2022, in which his sports coach helped guide him through adversity. \u201cDuring my mile, my goggles filled up with water, and I wasn\u2019t mentally strong enough to finish the race,\u201d said the Olympian. \u201cI spoke with my sports mental coach post-race, though, relaxed my mind, and the next day, I went my best ever 400 free time.\u201d The aid of his mental coach allowed him to move past the event, with a renewed focus that led to a best time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Through his coaching, Sarkany attempts to apply the lessons learned from Worlds to every race. \u201cI try to focus on one event at a time each day,\u201d he said. \u201cI reset each race.\u201d By not letting any single performance drag him down, even in long, exhausting events, the Hungarian can provide maximum energy to each race.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rest and Recovery<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Perhaps the most important piece to preparation for this schedule is recovery. With a limited timeframe, distance swimmers must prepare their bodies for the next race. For Sarkany, recovery means an attempt at normalcy, even in stressful circumstances.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s so difficult to replicate a normal day when in that environment,\u201d Sarkany said. \u201cBut I try to keep my habits the same.\u201d Sarkany attempts to get the same amount of sleep, while also looking for ways to distract himself from racing during the day. \u201cI\u2019ll often buy a Lego set to work on,\u201d he noted. \u201cIt gives me a project (to distract myself).\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While retaining normalcy is important to Sarkany, another big emphasis is placed upon taking care of his body. The swimmer pointed to massage and long warmdowns as very important. The swimmer uses these methods to \u201creduce the lactic acid buildup\u201d caused by the long races. This makes for a greater recovery, through loosening the muscles before racing again. Through refueling physically and mentally, Sarkany is prepared to take on the weekend\u2019s challenges.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The physical and mental challenges of distance swimming often weigh on the athlete. Even Sarkany spoke jokingly of some slight jealousy for the Hoosiers\u2019 sprinters, who swim significantly less yardage. \u201cIt\u2019s so hard watching them get out early, as we are still working away,\u201d he said. But to Sarkany and many others, the challenge is well worth it. \u201cWe are elite sportsmen,\u201d he declared proudly. \u201cThere\u2019s nothing better than doing great in our own events.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Sarkany is a shining example that with an intricate routine and a powerful mindset, even the most difficult of event schedules can be conquered.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Accepting the Challenge: How Zalan Sarkany Takes On a Brutal Event Schedule 2550 yards of individual racing. 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