Born in the southern city of Pécs in 1989, she has competed at three Summer Olympics (2004, 2008, 2012) and has been the overall female winner of the FINA Swimming World Cup for three consequent years (2012, 2013 and 2014). In both 2009 and 2013, she was named Hungarian Sportswoman of the Year; in 2013, she swept in the title “European Swimmer of the Year”. Ms. Hosszú currently holds the world record in the short course 100, 200 and 400 metres individual medleys.

Her most recent triumphs include breaking the world record by winning the women’s 200 IM with a time of 1:51.41 at the Doha FINA World Cup in August. In October, she won 10 gold and two silver medals at the FINA World Cup in Hong Kong, which is the highest number ever achieved by a female contestant at a single World Cup meet.

Also in October, she was reported to top the FINA World Cup prize list with total winnings of $228 000. She is married to American national Shane Tusup, head coach of her team, Vasas SC.

In an interview given to Metropol in September, Ms. Hosszú explains the massive changes she has undergone since the London Olympics both as a swimmer and in human terms. In the book, she wishes to hand on the experiences gained during the past twenty years, with special emphasis on the two years prior to its publication.

She described her work as a motivational book aimed to inspire the Olympic champions of the future generation. In the final words of the interview, she promises an explanation for her nickname “Iron Lady” in the book.

via wikipedia.org; metropol.hu
photo: origo.hu/MTI (Anikó Kovács)

Source: hungarytoday.com