Why don't we throw Katinka Hosszú?

Would anyone think of attacking someone who has done so much for the nation and the country? Does anyone even think of bashing a popular athlete?

Yes! Well, it didn't happen to the biggest figure in Hungarian swimming in a swimming pool, in front of thousands of spectators and tens of thousands of TV viewers, but to another popular athlete who was training on the national road. It happened that Valter Attila, who in recent weeks led the overall for three days in one of the world's biggest cycling races, was thrown an energy drink can from a car during training. He also won the right to wear the white jersey for the best young competitor. So far, none of the Hungarian cyclists has succeeded in this. Otila, Otila, the Italians still shout at him enthusiastically when they see him in the field. That was the only way he managed to teach them the name Attila. While wearing the maglia rosa. (the pink jersey given to the leading cyclist in the overall standings) he was the most popular athlete in Italy, and we throw him at home! Those who did this did not only disrespect the person, the athlete, the compatriot, the traveling partner, but also the national jersey. At that time, the Hungarian champion Viktor Filutás also played with Attila in a championship leotard. Viktor was preparing for the Tour de Hongrie and Attila for the Giro d'Italia.

Of course, I am not surprised at this when many people in this country are happy when the achievements, work or faith of others are attacked, insulted and humiliated. I am not surprised by this when the mayor cancels his participation in the opening of the Tour de Hongrie in Budapest at the last minute, and he does not even send an adviser or deputy in his place. What do we expect from someone who only uses the bicycle in front of the cameras, as a propaganda tool?

Despite all of this, I will quote a few of Attila Valter's statements, which he made without an interpreter, in perfect English, in front of Eurosport's cameras, after covering long sections at a pace unimaginable for a mortal and climbing huge mountains in rain, snow, and wind.

• I am very happy that so many of you supported me and followed me home, thank you for that, you are amazing. We go on, we continue. I hope to see a lot of you on television. Hungarians go for it!
• The international press is very interested in Hungary and they see how much influence triko has in our country. Milan is still far away, but I have never been so motivated, I will do everything to achieve the best possible result and see the world in pink for as long as I deserve it."
• "I'm trying to sum up how much joy I've brought to cycling fans and those who are just hearing about this sport for the first time in the past few days, but believe me, you've given me the same joy. As big a deal as it was to compete in the pink jersey, it couldn't compare to the reaction it elicited at home. I never dreamed that there would be so many people cheering for a cyclist all over the country, and certainly not that the Puskás Ferenc Stadium, along with many buildings, would be decorated in pink. Today, as before, I fought for myself, my team, and for you, trying to thank you for the huge pink dump you showered on the country and me."

Fortunately, in addition to those who destroy and stay away, there are also many people who appreciate those who achieve results in sports, science, and art with very hard work. Many of Attila's fans greet him at home in a wide variety of ways. The Ferenc Puskás stadium and the TV tower in Pécs were illuminated with pink light. A pastry shop named Valter after him, and in Csömör, where he lives, a sign was erected at the border of the settlement in honor of their pride. The Hungarian short-track speed skating team cheered on Attila and Márton Dina on the final hill on Saturday's king stage, who also completed the three weeks of the Giro. Not in vain! "Csömör snows" through the Italian Alps,
Attila

Fortunately, on the day when two of our selected cyclists were attacked, something else happened. Another car pulled up next to them and its driver asked them to take a picture with him.

I wonder how the members of the two camps imagine the future of Hungary! I wonder how the fate of the nation will turn out next year, when we have to decide which value system will win in the coming years. I hope that Katinka Hosszú and Attila Valter will continue to train in peace!

László B. Németh

Image source: bikemag.hu