Slovakia
Having competed at the 2012 London Olympic Games, RIO 2016 Olympic Games and the Inaugural European Games in Baku in summer 2015 , Richard Varga is Slovakia’s most successful Triathlete.
Richard started his sporting career as a swimmer. As the son of a swimming coach, the pool became a large part of his daily routine and Richard soon become the best junior swimmer in Slovakia, breaking both Junior and Senior National Records across all events. He successfully competed at several European and World events, including the Olympic Hopes event in the USA.
In his late teens, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Richard entered a local triathlon race and soon fell in love with a new sport. By the age of 19, Richard had left the pool in pursuit of a new passion and was travelling the World as a Professional Triathlete. He soon established himself as one of the best triathletes in the world, and continues to climb up the ITU World Rankings.
In 2012, Richard made history at the London Olympic Games when he became the most successful Slovakian Olympic Triathlete to date, finishing 22nd in a World-Class field that boasted the best 55 athletes from across the globe. After dominating the swim, Richard also cemented himself as the fastest swimmer in the world of Triathlon, and is now famed for his track record of leading out swims from European to World Series level.
Richard won his first World title when he became the 2010 World Aquathlon Champion in Budapest. A double disciplined event that combines both running and swimming, Richard went on to claim his second World Aquathlon title in 2012 in Auckland, third at the 2013 World Championships in London and defended that crown once again at the 2015 in Chicago; making him a four-time World Champion.
In addition to becoming an Olympian, 2012 was also the year the Richard won a Silver medal at the European U23 Championships in Aguilas, Spain.
Richard‘s impressive performances and results on an international stage have earned him the accolade of National Triathlete of the year, 8 years running. This highly commended award is decided by a panel of Slovak journalists and sport experts.
Richard is currently a member of the Police sport club ; a honour reserved only for the most successful Slovak athletes. Alongside his training, Richard also studied at the Comenius University in Bratislava, and recently graduated with a Bc. Degree in Triathlon Coaching. In his spare time Richard enjoys good food and sleeping, and spending quality time with friends and family.
