Doha: The world-record holder in 200m breaststroke, Hungary’s Daniel Gyurta, will be in action in Doha during the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) that will be held at the Hamad Aquatic Centre from December 3 to 7.
The dominant but unassuming Hungarian is fresh from a victory at the FINA Mastbank Swimming World Cup series, where he finished second in the overall points table.
Gyurta is showing that he is ready to take on the world and has not lost the winning form which saw him take the gold at the 2012 London Olympics.
When asked about his strategy for the World Swimming Championships, the Hungarian kept his cards close to his chest but hinted at the desire to set a new world record.
“I never reveal my aims — they remain my secret. Of course, I always try to improve my results and get better and to have a good race where I feel comfortable in the water. World records are set to be broken and everything can happen as a result of a good race.”
The Hungarian has been winning fans in the Middle East for many years following numerous appearances in Doha and Dubai.
He made waves in Qatar earlier this year when he set a World Cup record in his signature 200m breaststroke at the first meet of the FINA Mastbank Swimming World Cup, which also took place at Hamad Aquatic Centre.
The Olympic champion’s rivals have come and gone over the years but he has managed to remain at the top of his game.
“We have not changed anything in our preparations based on how others are swimming at that time because what we have been doing in the past has shown that we are on the right track. My coaches are continuously refining my training and preparation but before a major competition, we already know how we want to swim the race and only small things will be altered. I do not follow what the other swimmers are doing to prepare, I focus on my technique and try to do the best that I can.”
Daniel Gyurta is just one of more than 1,300 of the world’s best swimmers who will compete at the 12th FINA World Swimming Championships in Doha. Previous victors include US Olympic Gold medallist Ryan Lochte, who took home six gold medals at the last Championships in 2012.
Olympic champion Chad Le Clos of South Africa and multiple world-record holder Katinka Hosszu of Hungary are some of the top names who will return to Doha next month.
In addition, Cameron Van Der Burgh (RSA), Ryan Lochte (USA), Mireia Belmonte (ESP), Inge Dekker (NED) and other key athletes from Germany, Italy, Russia, China, Japan and the Netherlands are expected to bring their best to the competition.
Tickets for the event start at QR10 and are available at Virgin Megastores. They can also be purchased online at virginmegastores.me. Morning heats start at 9.30am and the finals kick off from 6.00pm.
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