World record-holder Kristof Milak recorded the fifth-fastest 200 fly in history when he thundered to 1:52.50 in the evening heats on day one of the Hungarian Nationals at the Duna Arena, Budapest.
Boglarka Kapas also produced a stunning performance when she went 2:06.85 in the women’s equivalent.
Only Michael Phelps and Milak have ever gone quicker, the Hungarian the fastest man in history with his time of 1:50.73 en-route to the 2019 world title eclipsing Phelps’ 2009 world record of 1:51.51.
It’s also the second fastest in textile behind the 23-time Olympic champion who went 1:52.09 at the 2007 World Championships in Melbourne, Australia.
Photo Courtesy: Becca Wyant
The 21-year-old, who contracted covid in the latter part of 2020, went out in 24.51 – quicker than his world-record swim – before splitting 53.41/1:22.63 and coming home in 29.87.
He said:
“I discussed with my peers that I am coming to a 1.52 party, because this is my pool, no one can beat me here.
“I’m not claiming to be in perfect physical condition, so now I primarily wanted to send a message to myself with this swim.”
David Verraszto was second in 1:57.03 with Hubert Kos next home in 1:57.21.
Milak also headed the men’s 50fr in 22.31 at the start of the session which mirrors the Tokyo Olympic schedule where finals will be held in the morning.
Kapas, who also had covid last year, was just 0.07secs outside the time that secured her the gold medal at the same World Championships in Gwangju.
Boglarka Kapas: Photo Courtesy: Mike Lewis/ISL
She said:
“I was having a good time. I’m a little sorry I couldn’t get my personal best but it is only a few hundredths.”
Katinka Hosszu qualified second n 2:08.54 ahead of Ajna Kesely (2:09.89).
Katalin Burián swam inside the Olympic cut for the 100 back in 1:00.02 with Richard Bohus going 53.89 in the men’s.
Eszter Békési was quickest in the women’s 100br in 1:08.79 with Csaba Szilágyi going 1:00.50 in the men’s race.
Petra Senánszky headed the women’s 50 free field in 25.67.
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