Allegations of Abuse Rock Hungarian Swimming: Former Athletes Come Forward Against Legendary Coach Tamás Széchy
A wave of disturbing allegations has surfaced against Tamás Széchy, Hungary’s most successful swimming coach, detailing years of physical and sexual abuse of young male athletes. The accusations, recently brought to light by former swimmer Tamás Füzesy and corroborated by statements from others, threaten to shatter the legacy of a man who guided his students to nine Olympic gold medals.
A Culture of Fear and Abuse
The allegations against Széchy, who died in 2004, span decades and paint a picture of a coach who wielded immense power and control over his athletes, often resorting to brutal physical punishment and sexual exploitation. Füzesy, now 57, publicly revealed his experiences, stating he was subjected to both physical violence and sexual abuse beginning around the age of 14.
Füzesy recounted a training environment where harsh discipline was normalized. He described instances where, after a poor performance, Széchy would inflict pain by striking the soles of his feet. “If Füzesy was swimming badly, he had to bend one leg from his knees to hit his wet, bare soles with the other float’s eyes or the whistle’s wet cord,” according to the account.
However, the abuse allegedly extended far beyond physical punishment. Füzesy detailed a harrowing incident where Széchy lured him into a private office under the pretense of retrieving forgotten swimwear. “After undressing, he leaned down, pulled up the swimwear, placed my penis, stroked it thoroughly,” Füzesy recalled, stating the abuse was repeated over a period of approximately 30-35 minutes.
Expanding Accusations and a Pattern of Exploitation
Füzesy’s decision to come forward appears to have emboldened others. Former national team swimmer Tamás Batházi has since made serious statements regarding Széchy’s alleged predatory behavior, claiming the coach targeted boys as young as 10-12 years old. Batházi alleges Széchy would invite young athletes to his office, often after installing a new bathroom, and pressure them into “self-indulgence” in his presence. He further claims that those who refused to comply faced repercussions, including exclusion from training camps and international competitions.
Batházi also identified a former swimmer, now a sports leader, as another victim of Széchy’s abuse. He expressed frustration that authorities had not taken action despite numerous complaints and the open secret within the swimming community.
Olympic champion Katinka Long also addressed the issue in a recent post, stating, “Pedophilia has no place in universal sports in any form, no level – in the coaching career, in the leadership or in the background.” While Long did not directly name Széchy, her statement is widely interpreted as a reference to the unfolding allegations.
Official Response and Calls for Investigation
The allegations have prompted a response from the Hungarian Swimming Association. Sándor Wladár, the association’s president, dismissed Batházi’s claims as “slander” circulated by a former Secretary General. However, the association subsequently announced the formation of a committee to investigate the allegations against Széchy and his behavior towards athletes.
The recent publication of a biography celebrating Széchy’s life and career – Life – Work – Heritage – appears to have been a catalyst for the resurfacing of these long-held traumas. According to reports, the book prompted several former swimmers to come forward with their experiences. Batházi stated he has spoken with ten anonymous victims since the book’s release, each recounting similar stories of abuse.
Füzesy explained his decision to speak out now, stating, “Knowing that my other swimmers were in a situation similar to mine or even coarser, and not many people came out of it… the question was immediately: Why should a man who was obviously a pedophile?” He added, “I am here now, so I make a statement.”
The unfolding scandal raises serious questions about the culture of abuse within Hungarian swimming and the failure to protect vulnerable athletes. The investigation launched by the Hungarian Swimming Association will be closely watched as victims seek justice and accountability for decades of alleged wrongdoing.
