Two silvers and a bronze from European Athletics Championships. Three world bronze medals. An Olympic silver medal. Hungary’s Bence Halász had won every colour at the senior level except gold.
But at the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships, the 29-year-olds time finally came. He opened his series with a strong 80.96m, and threw beyond 80 metres twice more before the big throw came in round five.
He marched into the circle, determination ablaze in his belly. Halász was in first place, but only by 39cm. Once he reached the back of the circle, he momentarily closed his eyes and looked towards the sky before unleashing his winning throw of 84.25m.
Just seven throws remained to confirm that Halász had taken the gold, and with seven no throws it was not a long wait. Eight years after his debut at these championships, he finally had won the gold.
“It felt incredible, it was in the back of my head that I really wanted to win,” Halász said. “I think my experience helped me handle the pressure, how to handle the chance of winning, because of course it's hard.
“But it means the world taking the win with the Hungarian national record and the gold medal. It's just amazing, it's a very proud moment for the Hungarian athletics.”
Though the Hungarian hadn’t expected to be in PB form. Heading in to the championships, Halász had thrown over 80m in all but one competition in 2026.
But when reflecting on how he felt last season, he didn’t have the same confidence in being able to throw over 84 metres for the first time, even if his team did.
“Of course it [the throw] felt very good, I think the technique, the power, the rhythm, everything was on top. But I didn't think it would be that far.
“I was thought, okay, really, really good throw, maybe 83 metres because I am not in the shape of my life. But I just hit everything perfectly, so 84 metres.
“Before coming here, I have two coaches, they are brothers, and one of them said if you have a good shape and if you fix one technical issue, it's 84 - and he was right.
“Last year before Tokyo, I was feeling much better, much fresher, I was feeling faster in the ring. I don't mean I am out of shape, but maybe if I can still work on my body, lose some more kilograms, maybe balance the training and relax, maybe more will come.”
Since Birmingham 2026 the Hungarian has thrown over 80 metres two more times, including to take second place at the ultimate championships.
But with the off season now here, it is time for Halász to start building towards next year. The long winter training sessions return, with months until the season starts again from March onwards.
During the winter he’ll also enjoy his time away from the circle and gym, spending time with friends, family, and most importantly, his cat.
“I really love my cat, he's called Sir Lancelot,” Halász beamed.
“One of my training partners was taking care of him, going to my house and feeding him three times a day, while I was in Birmingham.
“My cat is really helping me to relax, and I also like video games with my friends, driving around with my car, very casual stuff.”