Budapest: Hungary’s national swimming federation head quit Wednesday after he faced mounting criticism by swimmers including Olympic champions Katinka Hosszu and Daniel Gyurta over his handling of the sport.
Tamas Gyarfas, head of the Hungarian Swimming Federation (MUSZ) since 1993, said in a statement to the MTI news agency that “by resigning (he) would help (the sport) find the most suitable president”.
Earlier this month Hosszu, who won three gold medals and a silver in Rio and holds multiple world records, said Gyarfas ran the sport in an undemocratic manner.
Several top swimmers including 2012 Olympic champion Gyurta came out in support of Hosszu.
They also accused MUSZ of not following through on promises made to athletes including payment of training subsidies and victory bonuses, as well as pledges to upgrade facilities.
The swimmers’ protests had led to concerns that it might affect the World Aquatic Championships due to be held in the Hungarian capital Budapest next July.
