Ildikó Szedlmayer
Hungarian water polo coach and former professional athlete.
- 32
- swimming championship titles across age groups
- 1985
- European Championship silver in Oslo, the first women’s edition
- 22 yrs
- preparing Hungary’s youngest players for water polo
Ildikó spent her childhood competing as a swimmer, started coaching younger children when she was 16, and later graduated from the University of Physical Education in Budapest.
As a swimmer, she won 32 championship titles in different age groups. She was one of the original members of Hungary’s first women’s water polo team, winners of the first women’s water polo championship ever organized in the country. In Oslo, in 1985, when women were first allowed to compete in the European Water Polo Championship, her team finished with a silver medal.
That said, her primary motivation has never been competing, but more her love of the sport, the water, and the sporting community. For the past 22 years she has been preparing the youngest generation of Hungarians for water polo. Her mission is to help children discover the joy of playing together and taking part in physical activities.
As coaches, we have a tremendous responsibility for the future of these children. We need to continuously improve our coaching methods. These books are my contribution to a new approach.