FOR THE RECORD:
Olympics (2004-2021 – 5-time Olympian)
4 Silver, 2 Bronze
World Championships (LC)
2 Gold, 6 Silver, 5 Bronze
European Championships
14 Gold, 4 Silver, 5 Bronze
Universiade
3 Gold
Hungarian László Cseh boasts one of the most accomplished and respected careers in international swimming history. A five-time Olympian and six-time Olympic medalist, Cseh built a legacy defined by versatility, consistency and longevity.
Cseh earned Olympic medals at four different Olympic Games, beginning with bronze in the 400m individual medley at Athens 2004 and culminating with silver in the 100m butterfly at Rio 2016 – joining Michael Phelps and Chad le Clos in an unusual 3-way tied for second place. His three silver medals at the 2008 Beijing Games—each earned behind Phelps—remain a testament to his excellence and the extraordinary era in which he competed.
Over the course of his career, Cseh amassed an astounding 74 medals in major international competition, including 38 gold. A 33-time European champion and five-time world record holder, he dominated continental competition and consistently reached the podium at World Championships. His gold medal performances at the 2005 and 2015 World Championships, a decade apart, highlight his enduring presence at the highest level of the sport.
From overcoming injury before his first Olympic podium in 2004 to maintaining elite performance across nearly two decades, Cseh’s career exemplified perseverance and dedication. His contributions to Hungarian sport were recognized with numerous national honors, including nine-time Hungarian swimmer of the year (2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016). He proudly served as Hungary’s flagbearer at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
In addition to his lasting impact on competitive swimming, Cseh is also recognized for his sportsmanship and humility.
