Five Years Strong: My Journey at the Balaton Átúszás
/Every summer, thousands of swimmers descend on Hungary’s Lake Balaton for the Balaton Átúszás – one of Europe’s most iconic open water events. For locals, it’s a tradition. For international athletes, it’s a bucket list race. For me, it has become a yearly benchmark of fitness and focus.
This year marked my fifth consecutive Balaton swim, and I was fortunate to celebrate my fifth straight age group win. Out of more than 10,000 swimmers, I placed 18th overall, crossing the 5.2 km course in 01:19:00 – averaging 1:31 per 100 meters. It was both humbling and satisfying to match my best time from five years ago, proving once again that consistency pays off.
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Join me on InstagramWhy Lake Balaton?
For those asking, “Can you swim in Lake Balaton?” the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, Lake Balaton is one of the safest and most welcoming open water venues in Europe. The water is shallow along the shores, warm in summer, and closely monitored during the race.
The course itself runs between Révfülöp and Balatonboglár, two charming lakeside towns. Each year, organizers and sponsors (including the Balaton Lidl partnership) ensure safety boats, kayaks, and lifeguards cover the entire route. This scale of support makes the event approachable for both first-time open water swimmers and seasoned competitors.
What the Balaton Swim Means to Me
For me, the Balaton swim isn’t just about medals. It’s about testing myself against time, against the elements, and against the version of me who stood on that same shoreline five years earlier.
Holding the M40/1 age group win this year wasn’t about sprinting or outmuscling the field. It was about respecting the fundamentals:
Start smart – resist the adrenaline of the massive group start.
Swim efficiently – open water punishes poor technique more than any pool.
Stay mentally sharp – the middle kilometers always feel endless unless you break the race into manageable pieces.
Each year I return, I’m reminded that progress isn’t always about swimming faster. Sometimes it’s about proving you can still perform at your best, year after year.
Is Lake Balaton Safe to Swim In?
Many U.S. swimmers ask me this question, especially if they’re considering a trip for the Balaton swim 2025. From experience, I can say: yes, it’s safe. The lake is warm in July, generally calm, and the organizers have a world-class safety system in place. With more than 10,000 participants annually, the logistics are finely tuned.
For Americans used to events like Alcatraz or Chesapeake Bay, Balaton offers a different atmosphere. It’s less about battling the cold or currents and more about joining a festival of swimming. Sailboats line the course, families line the shore, music plays at the finish, and everyone – from elite athletes to casual swimmers – celebrates together.
My Certificate in Numbers
This year’s official results gave me plenty to smile about:
Net Time: 01:19:00
Pace: 1:31 / 100m
Overall Place: 18th
Age Group (M40): 1st
Numbers never tell the whole story, but they reflect the balance I’ve built between training, coaching, recovery, and racing.
What U.S. Swimmers Can Learn from Balaton
Even if you never make it to Hungary, the lessons carry over:
Consistency matters. Five years, five wins weren’t about one training cycle – they were about steady progress.
Dryland training pays off. Strength, mobility, and stability are what allow you to hold form in the later kilometers. Work with me on dryland training →
Community fuels performance. Racing alongside thousands reminds you that swimming is bigger than your own lane.
Looking Ahead: Balaton Swim 2026
I’ll be back at Lake Balaton next year, ready to test myself again. The event has become a marker in my calendar – a way to check in on my performance, stay accountable to my training, and continue building memories in one of the world’s most beautiful swim venues.
If you’re considering joining, it’s worth the trip. And if not, I hope my story encourages you to set your own benchmarks – whether in the pool, the lake, or wherever you train.
Join Me in the Water
I believe swimming is about growth, community, and a lifelong pursuit of better. If my Balaton journey inspires you, here are a few ways we can connect:
Swim coaching with Dan Daly – Individualized coaching to refine your technique and unlock your potential.
Join me on open water events – Follow my calendar and swim alongside me in upcoming races.
Dryland training with Dan Daly (in-person and remote) – Build strength and mobility for peak swimming performance.
Monthly training subscription – Get structured workouts delivered through an easy-to-use app.
Closing Thoughts
Five years, five wins, countless lessons. The Balaton Átúszás has become more than a race to me – it’s a tradition, a challenge, and a reminder of why I fell in love with swimming in the first place.
If you’re wondering, “Is Lake Balaton safe to swim in?” or “Should I take on the Balaton swim 2025?” – my answer is simple: yes. The real question is, are you ready to see what you’re capable of when you step into open water with thousands of others chasing the same finish line?
