Hosszu's grandfather played a significant role in her early swimming career. He would take her to the pool, where she never wanted to leave. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future successes. Her father Istvan and older brothers also have strong sports backgrounds, with her father earning 200 caps with the Hungarian national basketball team.

Achievements and Milestones

Hosszu's career is marked by numerous achievements. She won gold in the 200m and 400m individual medley at the 2017 World Championships in Budapest. She became the first female swimmer to win the same event at the world championships five times, clinching gold in the 400m individual medley at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju.

She holds records for the most gold medals (nine) and overall medals (15) by a Hungarian swimmer at the world championships. Her accolades include being named European Swimming League Female Swimmer of the Year multiple times and receiving the International Swimming Federation Female Swimmer of the Year Award on several occasions.

Coaching and Club Initiatives

In November 2019, Hosszu parted ways with coach Arpad Petrov. Initially, she planned to coach herself for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. However, her partner Mate Gelencser began supporting her training and eventually became her personal coach.

In August 2018, Hosszu founded Iron Swim club in Budapest. She aimed to share her love for water and swimming with others. The club reflects her desire to bring joy and movement through swimming to as many people as possible.

Global Association of Professional Swimmers

In 2017, Hosszu established the Global Association of Professional Swimmers (GAPS). The union was supported by 29 professional swimmers worldwide at its launch. GAPS aims to give athletes a voice on sport direction and future rule changes.

Personal Life and Education

Hosszu is fluent in English, French, and Hungarian. She holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Her partner is Mate Gelencser, who also serves as her coach.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Hosszu plans to continue competing at high levels. Her dedication to swimming remains unwavering as she aims for further success in upcoming competitions.

Katinka Hosszu's journey from a young swimmer in Hungary to an internationally acclaimed athlete is a testament to her hard work and passion for the sport. Her contributions extend beyond personal achievements, impacting global swimming through her initiatives and leadership.