The 2026 European Swimming Championships are upon us, and the entry lists reveal some intriguing strategies and surprises. One of the most notable stories revolves around Hungarian swimming sensation Kristof Milak, who has made some unexpected event choices.
Milak, the world record holder in the men's 200m butterfly, has decided to skip this signature event. This move is somewhat surprising, given his dominance in the pool. However, his season's best time of 1:59.88 is a far cry from his world record of 1:50.34, which might explain his decision to focus elsewhere. Personally, I think this is a strategic shift, allowing Milak to diversify his skills and challenge himself in new ways.
Instead, Milak will be taking on a sprint-heavy schedule, entering the 50m and 100m freestyle and butterfly events. This is a bold move, as he is ranked 12th in the 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle, and 9th in the 50m butterfly. What makes this particularly fascinating is that he has set lifetime bests in the 50m events this season, showcasing his adaptability and speed. I believe this could be a calculated risk, aiming to capitalize on his newfound sprint prowess.
Meanwhile, Hubert Kos, another Hungarian swimmer, has a jam-packed schedule, entering six events. This includes the 200m butterfly, where Milak is notably absent. Kos is a versatile swimmer, having won world titles and the Olympic gold in the 200m backstroke. He's also a medal contender in the 100m backstroke and 200m IM. However, managing six events is a tall order, and I predict some strategic scratches, especially with the potential for a grueling triple on day 6.
One aspect that caught my attention is Hungary's absence in the men's 4x200m freestyle relay. This is surprising given their recent success, including a European title in 2022, largely due to Milak's anchor leg. The decision to forgo this relay might be a tactical move, focusing on individual performances. With a strong lineup of Kos, Nandor Nemeth, and Oliver Papai, Hungary could have been a force to be reckoned with in this relay.
On the women's side, Lilla Minna Abraham's situation is intriguing. Initially named to the full team, she is now listed as a relay-only swimmer. Abraham is a talented freestyler, having tied for the European U23 title in the 200m freestyle last year. Her absence from individual events might be a tactical decision, but it could impact Hungary's overall performance, especially in the women's 4x200m freestyle relay, where they finished 4th at the 2025 World Championships.
What this really suggests is a shift in focus and strategy for the Hungarian team. They are making bold choices, prioritizing individual events over relays, and experimenting with new event combinations. It will be fascinating to see how these decisions play out in Paris, especially for Milak, who is stepping out of his comfort zone. In my opinion, this is the essence of sports—pushing boundaries, taking risks, and constantly evolving. The 2026 European Championships are shaping up to be a thrilling showcase of swimming's dynamic nature.
