Sándor Wladár has been elected Hungarian Swimming Association President ©MUSZ

Sándor Wladár has become the third official in the past year to hold the title of President of the Hungarian Swimming Association (MUSZ), following his election at their Extraordinary General Assembly.

The Assembly took place at the Danubius Hotel in Margitsziget, with MUSZ stating the election was the most eagerly anticipated item on the agenda.

Wladár was the sole candidate for the position and received a total of 143 votes at the Assembly.

There were five votes against his election, as well as a single abstention.

The 54-year-old enjoyed a successful swimming career, with his most notable achievement coming at the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games, where he won gold in the 200 metres backstroke.

Wladár was named Hungarian Sportsman of the Year in 1981, following two gold medals at the European Championships.

His first task will be to unite the MUSZ, which has undergone a tumultuous period.

Tamás Gyárfás resigned as MUSZ President last November amid a wave of criticism from the country's top stars after 23 years in the post.

It followed a catalogue of problems being alleged by swimmers, including triple Rio 2016 champion Katinka Hosszu.

Hosszu claimed her relationship with Gyárfás had been adversarial ever since he supposedly urged her to "stop swimming and retire" in 2008.

She also asserted that training conditions within Hungary have worsened since 2015.

Gusztáv Bienerth was elected as President in January, but was voted out of the position earlier this month ©Budapest 2024
Gusztáv Bienerth was elected as President in January, but was voted out of the position earlier this month ©Budapest 2024

Gyárfás was replaced as President by Gusztáv Bienerth in January, with the former football and handball official being elected convincingly.

His spell in charge came to an end on September 1, following a vote by the MUSZ.

The vote reportedly occurred after a number of resignations from the organisation, with a total of 153 members attending the meeting.

It was claimed 141 voted in favour of Bienerth’s dismissal, with two voting against and 10 abstaining.

According to the news agency Xinhua, Wladár has expressed his determination to discuss the achievements of swimmers and not disputes within the association.

He has also confirmed the appointment of four-time Olympic champion Tamas Darnyi as his Presidential advisor.

Swimming is considered one of Hungary’s most important sports, with the country having won 66 medals in total at the Olympic Games in their history, including 28 golds.

Hungarian capital Budapest hosted this year's World Aquatics Championships.