Paris 2024 swimming: All results, as Hungary's Hubert Kos sprints to gold in men’s 200m backstroke
Hungary’s Hubert Kos overhauled a slowing Apostolos Christou of Greece to win the Olympic men’s 200m backstroke final at Paris La Defense Arena on Thursday, 1 August.
Kos swam a controlled race, gradually ramping up his stroke rate. He was fourth at the first turn, third at the second turn, second at the third turn and first to the wall.
He finished with a time of 1:54.26 to solidify his victory and claim the gold medal.
“I knew I had to go fast, so I didn’t really know where anybody else was,” said Kos. “I just kept swimming and swimming. I was happy to get my hand on the wall first.”
It was an impressive showing of endurance, speed and self-control, reminiscent of a style displayed by his training partner Leon Marchand — a three-time gold medallist at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Kos spoke highly of his coach Bob Bowman, who also coached Michael Phelps during his reign in the pool, saying: “Without [Bowman] I’d probably be like 15th in the [200m IM] right now. It’s been an incredible journey with him, and I’m just to happy be part of a team like that.”
He added: “The magic touch is the work. He doesn’t let us be second best. He doesn't let us stoop down to a level he doesn't want from us. That brings out the best in us."
Bowman’s expectation for Kos had a cascading effect on the field, as all seven finalists swam their hardest in an attempt to beat the Hungarian.
Greece’s Christou was buoyed by a tidal wave of support from the 15,000-strong crowd, as he attempted to hold off a hard-charging Kos in the final metres of the race.
Swimming hard from the gun, Christou found himself fading over the final length of the pool. He fought to remain on the podium, valiantly reaching for the wall to claim the silver medal with a time of 1:54.82.
“It’s the best achievement in my career,” said an ecstatic Christou. “I'm really happy. [It’s] the best day of my life, so I'm really glad, blessed, and very, very satisfied with my results."
Free from any regrets, the Greek swimmer reflected on what it took to get to this moment.
“In this high level of sports, you have to give everything and set everything apart because it's the main goal,” said Christou. “You have to sacrifice everything in your life, because the main goal is to be strong and healthy and good in practices. You are committed to that, and you have to leave everything behind.”
Switzerland’s Roman Mityukov certainly left any inhibitions behind, as he launched into a powerful sprint over the last 50 metres.
Finishing a mere 0.03 seconds behind Christou, he touched the wall in 1:54.85 to claim the bronze medal.
“I worked really hard for that,” said the bronze medallist. “I am really proud to bring that medal to Switzerland.”
Mityukov will wait to celebrate until after his relay duties are concluded at Paris 2024, but 1 August will remain a memorable day for the Swiss swimmer.
Swimming: Men’s 200m backstroke
Gold: Hubert Kos, HUN
Silver: Apostolos Christou, GRE
Bronze: Roman Mityukov, SUI
See all the results on Olympics.com.