2018 Benedek Kos - Hungary

Benedek Kos (Hungary) – Nominee for 2018 Junior of the Year

Born: 2000, Represents: Hungary Sport: Canoe Sprint

Benedek in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5el_ONvz3s

Major Results:

• 2018—ICF Junior Canoe Sprint World Championships (Plodiv, Bulgaria): Gold in K1 1000m and K1 500m

When Benedek Koz took up flatwater kayaking as a pre-teen at the suggestion of his dad, he likely never imagined that he would be Junior World Champion in not one, but two distances in the discipline of Canoe Sprint. But that’s exactly what the 18-year-old accomplished this year in Bulgaria when he topped the podium in both the K1 1000m and K1 500m events at the ICF Junior Canoe Sprint World Championships.

“I set out for Worlds with the goal of attaining two medals—but I was privately counting on winning at least one of the two distances,” Benedek said in an interview. “I felt really great during the races and enjoyed the qualifying rounds and then just went for it in the finals.”

Benedek’s accomplishment is unusual in that kayakers don’t often excel in both the 500m and 1000m distances, as the training and conditioning required for Canoe Sprint can vary quite significantly, depending on the distance. “But my coach and I decided that there doesn’t need to be a huge difference between the 500m and the 1000m,” said Benedek. “Speed and conditioning are essential to both and that’s the key to training for both distances.”

TESTIMONIAL/QUOTE:

“When I reached the line in each of my finals, I felt proud of myself for just managing to finish the race and then proud for winning. For me, this meant a lot because it showed me what I am capable of and that the long hours of training do bring results.” — Benedek Kos