The Hungarian national team delivered a sensational performance in the European Team Championships Division 2.
The Hungarian national team delivered a sensational performance in the European Team Championships Division 2, securing a confident and extraordinary victory in the competition over the course of three impressive days. With this triumph, Hungary, as the host nation for the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, has now elevated its status to one of the Top 16 nations in Europe.
Team Hungary celebrates the great victory at the European Team Championships Division 2
Less than two months remain until the highly anticipated event of the year, to be hosted from August 19th to 27th, in Budapest. The European Team Championships served as a test for all participating countries, providing an opportunity to gauge the strength and capabilities of their athletes ahead of the World Championships.
The continent's nations have been categorized into three tiers based on their performance in the European Team Championships held two years ago. In 2021, Hungary emerged victorious in the third division, thereby earning promotion to Division B. Now, their success has propelled them even further, straight to the top tier. Over the course of three days, during the 37 events our opponents included Romania, Estonia, Denmark, Slovenia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Latvia, Croatia, Iceland, Serbia, Cyprus, Moldova, Ukraine, and Luxembourg.
In addition to being an incredibly exciting format, the event presents a unique opportunity for Hungarian athletes to inch closer to their dreams of competing in the World Championships held in Budapest, by achieving remarkable results in competitive fields.
Attila Molnár, Hungary's rising star of 400m
Although Bence Halász, Hungary's most promising contender for a World Championships medal, was absent from the team, along with our ECH fourth-place javelin thrower, Réka Szilágyi, and the slightly injured sprinter, Márk Pap, the Hungarian squad that traveled to Southern Poland was formidable.
This was evident in the fact that Hungarian athletes finished among the Top 5 in 26 out of the 37 events. Contributions from Anita Márton, the 2018 world indoor shot put champion, Attila Molnár, the rising star of 400m, István Palkovits, the young talent in the 3000m steeplechase, and Luca Kozák, the European silver medallist in the 100m hurdles, were instrumental in securing victory for the team. The most remarkable performance came from the women's 4x100m relay team, comprised of Gréta Kerekes, Jusztina Csóti, Boglárka Takács, and Alexa Sulyán, who not only emerged victorious but also set a new national record with an incredible time of 43.49 seconds.
István Palkovits, Hungary's young talent in the 3000m steeplechase
Bianka Kéri, in the best form of her life, achieved a remarkable milestone in her career by completing the 800m race in under two minutes for the first time. With a time of 1:59.80, she successfully secured her place in the Budapest World Championships. Janka Molnár set a new Hungarian U23 record in the 400m, while Hanga Klekner reached her personal best in the pole vault, clearing 4.45m.
Bianka Kéri completing the 800m race in under two minutes for the first time
Over the course of three days, Hungary showcased its strength to the world, amassing an impressive total of 456.5 points. With the home advantage at the World Championships, they are poised to perform even better. Approximately 35-40 athletes have a realistic chance of representing Hungary, proudly donning the red, white, and green colors at the National Athletics Centre. The World Championships programme has been thoughtfully designed, ensuring that there will be someone to cheer on during both morning and evening sessions.
Hungarian 4x100m relay team: Gréta Kerekes, Jusztina Csóti, Boglárka Takács, and Alexa Sulyán
The opening day on August 19th will be no exception, featuring the Hungarian mixed relay team in the morning, along with the men's hammer throw, women's heptathlon, men's 3000m steeplechase, women's long jump, and men's 100m. Hungarian athletes will be fiercely competing for their place in the competition. Experience the enchantment of the World Championships for as little as HUF 3000 (~8 EUR), guaranteed to captivate you for the next eight days!
The first evening session will showcase the world record-breaking men's shot put, the thrilling women's 10,000 meters race, and the finals of the 4x400 medley relay. Additionally, spectators can witness the men's 1,500 meters, women's heptathlon, and men's discus throw. With 200,000 tickets already sold, it is advised to purchase your tickets and packages HERE to secure your spot.
