Swimming star Hosszu elected as female athlete of 2017 in Hungary

BUDAPEST - For the sixth time in a row since 2013, Hungarian swimmer Katinka Hosszu received the award of the best female athlete of Hungary in 2017 here at a Gala on Thursday evening.

"Thank you, for voting for me the sixth time. The World Championship [held in Hungary last summer] was the most beautiful moment of my carrier. Thank you for my grandfather who taught me to swim, and to Shane [her husband and coach], who always brings out the best from me," Hosszu said at the Gala.

Hosszu has been awarded the title by the Hungarian Association of Sports Reporters. Hungary's three-time Olympic Champion is not only famous for her sports achievements, but also for her blunt style of speech.

Tennis player Timea Babos came second after Hosszu, and Anita Marton (athletics) came third.

Last year's best coach was none other than Hosszu's husband, an American. Hungarian media is obsessed with troubles between the celebrity couple, who have had difficulties in the last months. They arrived separately at the Gala organized in the National Theater of the Hungarian capital.

The best male athlete award went to Balazs Baji, a Hungarian track and field athlete specializing in the 60 meters and the 110 meters hurdles. He obtained the gold in Taipei in the 2017 Universiade.

He came before Andras Szatmari (sword) and Sandor Liu Shaolin (short track ice skating).

The best team sports award was given to the female handball team of Gyori Audi ETO KC. They were followed by the Dozsa water polo team of Szolnok, and by the national male basketball team.