Hungary’s swimming world is buzzing with anticipation, but one name is notably missing from the lineup—Kristof Milak. The 2025 Hungarian Short Course Championships are set to dive into action this Wednesday, November 5th, in Debrecen, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. But here’s where it gets intriguing: while the event promises fierce competition as athletes vie for medals and a shot at representing Hungary at the Short Course European Championships in December, the absence of the world record holder has everyone talking. But why is Milak sitting this one out? And what does it mean for Hungary’s swimming future?
The four-day event, running from November 5th to 8th, will showcase the nation’s top talent in the 25-meter pool. Fans can catch all the action via live results at https://live.musz.hu/event/program?OnlineEventId=181299304. While American-based swimmers like Hubi Kos and Zalan Sarkany are expected to remain stateside, the entry list is still packed with heavy hitters. Names like Nandor Nemeth, Adam Jaszo, Richard Marton, Szebasztian Szabo, Gabor Zombori, Panna Ugrai, and Viktoria Mihalyvari-Farkas are ready to make waves. Yet, the absence of Milak and 17-year-old rising star Vivien Jackl raises eyebrows.
Milak’s absence isn’t just a blip—it’s part of a larger pattern. The Olympic champion withdrew from this year’s World Championships and hasn’t competed since April’s National Championships. According to the Hungarian Swimming Federation, he’s been focusing solely on land-based training. Is this a strategic move, or a sign of something deeper? Meanwhile, Jackl, a Shane Tusup-trained prodigy, has been busy dominating the junior circuit, snagging bronze in both the 1500m freestyle and 400m IM at the World Junior Championships. Her absence here suggests she’s prioritizing other opportunities, but it leaves fans wondering: What’s next for this versatile teenager?
And this is the part most people miss: Ajna Kesely, a 24-year-old European Championships medalist, is making her comeback this week after a summer sidelined by injury. Her return adds another layer of excitement to an already charged event. Veteran David Verraszto is also in the mix, entered in five events, proving experience still has a place in this fast-paced sport.
But let’s circle back to Milak. His absence sparks a controversial question: Is Hungary’s swimming dominance at risk without its star athlete? Or is this an opportunity for new talent to step into the spotlight? The debate is sure to heat up in the comments. As the championships unfold, one thing is clear: this event is about more than just medals—it’s about the future of Hungarian swimming. What’s your take? Share your thoughts below!
