Zsombor Berecz Wins Hungary’s First Silver in Olympic Sailing

Tamás Vaski 2021.08.03.

Zsombor Berecz set an all-time record on Japanese water as the first Hungarian to win a silver medal in sailing at the Olympics. Sailing in the Finn class, Berecz had an excellent run, scoring three points short of the title defender, Great Britain’s Giles Scott.

Berecz made Hungarian history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Tuesday, finishing first in the final race but ultimately winning silver on points, 39 to Scott’s 36.

Photo: Zsolt Czeglédi/MTI

Fact

The Finn is the oldest class to be involved at the Olympics, making its debut in 1952. It involves a one-person heavyweight dinghy and is currently only raced by men. At each event there are a series of races, meaning that victory does not depend on a single run. Points are awarded according to position, the lower the score the better.

The quality of the metal for Berecz ultimately came down to where his rival, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, finished in the final. Making it from sixth to fourth, Scott was able to gain enough ground to keep his third Olympic gold. “I’ve never been involved in a boat race as close as that,” the British sailor said.

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At the end of the race, Berecz can be seen hopping onto Scott’s boat and tipping them both into the water with a big hug to congratulate the gold medalist. Joined by bronze medalist Joan Cardona, the victors turn the dinghy into a podium before they head off for the actual awards ceremony.

Photo: Zsolt Czeglédi/MTI

In the featured photo, Zsombor Berecz holds up the Hungarian flag after winning silver in sailing Finn. Featured photo by Zsolt Czeglédi/MTI