Verraszto Siblings Join Hosszu, Gyurta Statements Against Federation

Count the Verraszto siblings in with the growing group of high-level swimmers criticizing the Hungarian Swimming Federation. David and Evelyn Verraszto have both publicly stated their support for criticism brought by Katinka Hosszu and Daniel Gyurta, among others.

The Verrasztos statement was published on Hungary’s NemzetiSport.hu Thursday. You can view it in its original Hungarian here. In the statement, David and Evelyn Verraszto join with Hosszu and Gyurta, saying that change is needed within the Hungarian federation.

“The top swimmers of the current generation who have been spending their time for more than two decades in the swimming pool all think alike, since we are the ones who have experienced the bad and good side of the current system,” the statement says.

The critical calls started with Hosszu earlier this week, calling for the resignation of federation President Tamas Gyarfas. Most of the following statements have been broader in their criticism without specifically calling for Gyarfas to leave the federation, and the Verraszto statement falls into that category. The siblings do say that it is time “to work towards a system which is in the interests of the federation and the swimmers as well.” Most of the criticism of the federation has centered around what swimmers say is poor support for the athletes representing Hungary in the pool.

The full Verraszto statement, roughly translated to English:

Since our childhood the swimming is the most important thing in our life so we would like to  join to the statements by Katinka and Dani.
The top swimmers of the current generation who have been spending their time for more than two decades in the swimming pool all think alike since we are the ones who have experienced the bad and good side of the current system
We think it is time to act together and reach a general agreement in the sport and to work towards a system which are in the interest of the federation and the swimmers as well. takes the need and requirements of modern era into consideration in order to have a stress free preparation.

Other statements from this week:

• Katinka Hosszu
• Daniel Gyurta
• Boglarka Kapas & the agency of Peter Bernek