With under one month to go until the FINA World Championships, we're excited to welcome two new members to the F-Team.  Meet Richard Nagy from Slovakia and our newest lrishman Brendan Hyland!  We caught up with the guys as they countdown to Budapest.

Richard Nagy

New kid on the F-Team block, Slovakian swimmer and Olympian Richard Nagy has been swimming alongside fellow F-Teamers Max and Joe Litchfield at the City of Sheffield swim club since the Rio Olympics.

Richard is no stranger to the international stage and had a successful 2016. At the 2016 European Champs the 24-year-old won silver in the 400m Individual Medley in 4:14.16 - he broke his own personal best and set a new national record!

Richard competed at the 2016 Olympics in the 400m Individual Medley and his selection transformed his life.

"It has all been one big change since Rio. I have moved to England, changed training program, coaches and training partners," he explains.

The move has proven to be a great decision for Richard and he?s thriving in the fast-paced program alongside Max and the other Team Steel swimmers.

"I have the opportunity to train with some of the best swimmers in Europe, if not in the world. Compared to training mostly by myself for the past four years, having a group of great people around me is fantastic," he says.

Richard hopes to make it to the World Championship finals in Budapest and aims to PB in the 400m Individual Medley.

"It will be my first big taper meet this season, and first since I moved to Sheffield. I am looking forward to seeing what I can do there, to race the best in the world and to enjoy the atmosphere."

We can't wait to see Richard step up to the blocks in Budapest!

Brendan Hyland

22-year-old Brendan Hyland is over the moon about representing Ireland at his debut World Championships.

"Qualifying for my first World Champs was a huge stepping stone for me. It's the next closest level to the Olympics and really excites me to compete at the highest level of the sport" he says.

The butterfly specialist from Dublin is lined-up for the 4x100m medley relay and has been counting down the days.

"I'm excited to be racing with the guys who have inspired me for years as I was growing up."

Ireland's swimming strength is growing and the country will be sending its largest squad for many years to Budapest.

"Irish swimming is not as developed as a lot of other countries. However, being forced to constantly learn and find ways to improve within our nation will only prove a good thing in years to come," Brendan believes.

Swimming at an international level takes dedication and commitment; Brendan has had to miss out on socials and vacations but still believes he's chosen the right path.

"I prefer thinking of sacrifices more as choices, but definitely having to pass on all the summer holidays my friends are going on is a big one!"

We're looking forward to watching Brendan's hard work pay off as he competes for Ireland at the World Championships.

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