Gyula Válent

Gyula Válent started swimming in his hometown at the age of five with his best results coming in the backstroke. Válent won a total of 19 Hungarian championship titles in individual and relay events and improved the national record six times.

Válent represented the Hungarian national team between 1947 and 1950. At the 1947 European Championships in Monte Carlo, he was able to stand on the second step of the podium in the 100 metres backstroke. In 1948 he participated in the London Olympics but failed to reach the final in the same event. He won three gold and seven silver medals at the World University Championships. In addition to his swimming career, he also played water polo for ten years.

After finishing his sports career Válent worked as a coach for the Eger swimmers between 1955 and 1969, during which time he trained 47 national team competitors. He was then employed by the Hungarian Federation as a technical inspector until 1972. His last coaching job was in Tatabánya.