The Olympic Awarded Judoka Runs at the Dakar Rally
The Hungarian Miklos Ungvari overcame the obstacles of winding paths and uncertain deserts from South America
Silver medal at the London Olympics 2012, the Hungarian Miklos Ungvari experienced a new adventure in January. Keen on motoring, the 33 year-old judoka started a journey of more than 8,000 km of arid lands in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, during the 35th edition of the Dakar Rally .
\"I think that for a judoka the term “challenge \" does not exist. I would call a different experience, an excellent one. Personally, I thought it would be a bigger challenge than it really was. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes, during several stages, I thought I would die. However, looking at it now, it was a sensational journey, “said Ungvari.
The Hungarian, three times World medalist – including Rio 2007 –he has recently changed his weight category : from half lightweight to lightweight; he had Sebestyen Sandor and Joszef Bonar as his partners in order to finish the rally. His final position was the 47th. Not bad, if one takes into account the amount of obstacles that usually stop many competitors finish the race.
“Actually, the first day was the hardest. We started and headed to an area where the sand was carried by the wind so strongly that it went underneath the car and, at times, we couldn’t see each other. I believe this has been the worst part. The rest of the time was rewarding, even if we spent over 16 hours in the car, \"said the Hungarian.
Ungvari reaffirmed his love for judo and ensured that, for athletes, escape the routine is necessary from time to time.
\"As much as I love judo it’s good to take on different challenges. This is completely different from judo, so I was forced to have a different focus during these two weeks. Sometimes it\'s nice to escape from your daily life, especially if you are an athlete. It was perfect for this reason, \" he followed .
\"I saw and experienced some amazing things along the way. At one point it looked like a fairy tale, you could feel like we were driving in the clouds. It is impossible to describe the experience, \"he added enthusiastically.
Miklos Ungvari will be on the mats next Sunday (February 23rd) at the Grand Prix from Dusseldorf.
