Olympic gold medallist supports Hungary and the Women’s EHF EURO 2014

What is the link of between Hungarian world-class swimmer Daniel Gyurta and Hungary, co-hosts of the Women’s EHF EURO 2014, and its women’s national team?

It’s easy as what they share is not just the citizenship but also the love for handball.

At first Gyurta had been surprised when he was asked to be the face of the advertising campaign for the European Championship but then he said: "Why not?"

The athlete also features prominently in a promotion video shot for the EHF EURO.

Gyurta is one of Hungary’s best known athletes.

He won Olympic silver 2004 in Athens in the 200m breaststroke when he was just 15 and went one step further when he topped the podium in the same event at the London 2012 Games.

Apart from swimming he has been in love with handball and hopes that his support will attract many more fans to the sport.

"I guess there is no chance that handball cannot be loved. The slogan that has been chosen for this championship, ’Handball, I love you’, is absolutely appropriate," says Gyurta.

"I have been captivated by the sport since the age of 11, I have been supporting the women’s team in the Sydney Olympic finals, and most recently I saw the men’s quarter-final in London when Hungary played Iceland (34:33 after extra time).

"That was really fantastic! Some photos were taken of me as I was shouting in the stands – I do not even dare to show them!"

Daniel Gyurta will attend the Short Course Swimming World Championships in Doha, Qatar from 3 to 7 December, but once he is back, he is sure to be supporting Hungary’s national team.

"No question that once I’ll be back from Doha, I will be at the matches. After 7 December I’m sure that I will cheer for the Hungarian team."

At Doha Gyurta will be race in the relay as well in the 100m and 200m breaststroke event.

He likes the relay because it’s the team effort that brings success in these events.

"I envy handball players because playing in team is completely different than competing in an individual sport.

"In relay events you have to swim not just for yourself but for the others in your team.

"These moments are more relaxed and enthusiastic. I do hope that all the swimmers and the Hungarian women’s team will celebrate a successful December."