Marton Kover, one of the world’s most successful marathon paddlers, has called time on his career as an elite athlete.
The Hungarian great retires at the age of 37 as a nine-time world champion and five-time European gold medallist in Canoe Marathon.
He sits fifth on the all-time list of male marathon paddlers who have achieved the most world titles.
Only Hungarians Edin Csabai (17) and Attila Gyore (11), Spain’s Manuel Antonio Campos (10), and South Africa’s Hank McGregor (10) have won more gold medals at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Marathon World Championships.
An open letter has been issued by Kover and published by the Hungarian Canoe Federation announcing his retirement from the sport.
“This moment has come, which I dreaded when I was at the peak of my career,” Kover wrote.
“What will happen to me when I have to stop?
“It's not hard for me to do it anymore, because all my dreams have come true, what a marathoner can dream of.
“At the age of 20, I thought how great it would be if I had a loving wife, children, and a piece of land that was ours.
“Then, when I found which distance I was good at, I wanted to make a living from it as a professional athlete.
“Then, when the opportunity arose, I longed to proudly put on the uniform of the Hungarian Defense Forces.
“All of them were fulfilled. I can't ask for more from sport.”
Kover claimed the first of his nine world titles in 2011 when he partnered Gyore to the men’s canoe double crown.
Four more C2 titles followed, all coming in succession alongside Adam Docze in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
During that period, Kover was also starring in the men’s canoe single, often battling it out with Campos for the world crown.
Kover triumphed in the men’s C1 in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017 and claimed the last of his 17 World Championships medals in 2023 when he came second behind Campos.
“I will not detail my achievements; I will only highlight one thing that is unique and of which I am most proud,” said Kover.
“In marathon canoeing, I have always been on the podium in all my international competitions in all events for 14 seasons, in 26 races, 38 events (and I did not finish lower than second place in the individual event).
“I was at my peak in an era when the second generation of gold racers.
“I still get chills when I think about the determination that characterised us then.
“No one was interested in money or finances; only the desire for honour drove everyone.”
Kover admitted his body “can’t handle it like it used to” but insisted “the motivation is in me, I just need to give it a different direction”.
“Sport teaches you all the values that you need in your life,” added Kover.
“Discipline, honour, respect, humility, faith in work.
“My environment can see how many of these are stuck in me, but I see that all my fellow athletes have these virtues.
“Kayak-canoe is therefore a big family.
“I'm glad to be a part of this family."
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