Following the recent scandal in which it was revealed Hungary’s former National Swimming Team Coach, Laszlo Kiss, had been charged with rape over 50 years ago, the Hungarian Swimming Federation has named its new leader.
As we reported earlier this week, it was recently revealed that Kiss, who had been in his head coaching role since 1993 on the women’s side, was charged with rape and served three years in prison in 1961 after he and two other elite swimmers lured a girl into an apartment and gang raped her.
Kiss maintains his innocence, but late last week confirmed he was leaving his role as National Swimming Team Coach “in the interests of Hungarian sports and because his heath was shaken by the disclosure of his conviction to three years in prison.” (ABC News).
Less than a week later, it has been announced that 3-time World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist Andras Hargitay will be taking over the Head Coaching role. He will be assisted by Csaba Sos and Sandor Wladar.
Hargitay earned the bronze in the 400m IM event while competing at the 1972 Olympic Games and has recently been at the head of Hungary’s youth teams. 60-year-old Hargitay was previously Hungary’s Head Coach from 1984 to 1988.
Hargitay says the job comes with “incredible responsibility, especially now, in an Olympic year and a month before the European championships.”