European Championships: Kristof Milak Anchors Hungary To Gold In Men’s 4×200 Freestyle Relay; Splits 1:44.42
Kristof Milak anchored Hungary to gold in the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay with a 1:44.42 split as the nation claimed its 100th title at the European Championships in Rome.
The Hungarian quartet won a fascinating tussle – in which France led for much of the race – in 7:05.38, a national record lowering the mark of 7:06.27 set at the World Championships in Budapest in June.
Italy came back strong on the final 50 to take silver in 7:06.25 with Stefano Di Cola splitting 1:45.36 – the second fastest of the entire field.
France – who held a 0.96 lead at the final changeover were third in 7:06.97.
Milak’s split begs the question of what he will produce in the individual event where he would meet the likes of world champion David Popovici and Olympic gold medallist Tom Dean.
The Olympic 200 fly champion paid tribute to his teammates and the historic medal they claimed, saying:
“It was easy to finish it off like this after my three fantastic buddies did a brilliant job.
“This was a great race and we all feel great to win Hungary’s 100th European Championship gold medal in swimming.
“I think it’s more than fitting that a relay achieved that. Everyone took it very seriously and swim his maximum, and that brought us victory.
“Now we just need to carry on like this in the coming days.”
Di Cola added:
“I’m really happy, we left the Budapest Worlds with a bitter taste (after finishing ninth).
“Now I’m really happy to be back on the podium as it was a very nice race. We are a great group of swimmers. The crowd carried me all the way.”
