Petra Senánszky

Petra Senánszky

Hungary

Underwater Sports

Introduction

I started finswimming at 7 and have reached every level in the sport. Beyond my athletic career, I prioritized education, earning a Biology degree and specializing in scientific translation. However, nearly 20 years in sports made me realize I belong in this field, leading me to pursue sports management studies, which I will complete this year. At The World Games 2022, I defended my 50m and 100m bifin titles and won gold and silver in lifesaving relays. A few years ago, I also began competing in swimming, and after just two years of training in swimming, I qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 50m freestyle and the 4x100m freestyle relay, winning a European Championship title along the way. The Olympics was a defining moment in my life. Coming from a non-Olympic sport, I never imagined competing on that stage. Finswimming shaped me, proving that the dedication of a non-Olympic athlete holds just as much value as that of an Olympian. One of my proudest achievements remains my two world records at the 2017 World Games, proving the extraordinary potential of non-Olympic athletes.

Education

University of Debrecen, Hungary

  • Bachelor of Science ni Biology (2012-2016)
  • Postgraduate Specialist training: English-Hungarian Special Translator in Natural Sciences (2017-2019) - Bachelor of Science ni Sports and Recreation Management (2020- )

Webler Training Studio, Debrecen, Hungary

  • Basic Web Designer Course: HTML 5, CSS 3, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator (2019-2020)

Professional activities

I have been focusing on my studies alongside my sport career but I frequently assisted my sports club in organizing various events.

Sports admin functions

Athletes' Committee member - Hungarian Swimming Federation - September 2024 - present

Memberships

Member of the Green Task Force Goup in Debrecen, Hungary - Future of Debrecen movement - 2019 - present

Awards

  • Multiple-time Female Athlete of the Year at the Hungarian Divers Federation
  • Multiple-time Athlete of the Year at the Divers Club of Debrecen
  • Prima Award from the National Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers, Hajdu-Bihar County Organization in 2016
  • Multiple-time Female Athlete of the Year at the National Competitive Sports Federation
  • World Garnes 2022 Athlete of the day (first ever athlete to win gold medals in 2 different sports in the WG history)
  • Athlete of the Year at DSI Debrecen in 2024

Other activities

Member of the Green Task Force Group, Future of Debrecen movement (2022 - present). 1 am actively involved in environmental initiatives and sustainability projects in Debrecen, promoting awareness and eco-friendly solutions.

The World Games

5×1st Place in Finswimming (50m & 100m Bifin) and Lifesaving (4×50m Obstacle) at The World Games (2013, 2017, 2022)

World Championships

15×1st Place in Finswimming (50m, 100m, 200m Bifin) at the World Championships (2011–2022)

World Cup

Approx. 60×1st Place in Finswimming (50m, 100m, 200m Bifin) at the World Cup (2010–2024)

Olympic Games

10th Place (4×100m Freestyle) and 24th Place (50m Freestyle) in Swimming at the 2024 Olympic Games

As a multiple-time The World Games champion and athlete in both non-Olympic and Olympic sports, I understand our challenges and opportunities. My journey from finswimming to traditional swimming proves the value of resilience and fairness. I will advocate for athlete rights, fair play, and non-Olympic sport growth. I also aim to enhance our marketing visibility and integrate eco-friendly practices into events. Let’s build a stronger, greener future together!

Q1 Why are you running as a candidate for the IWGA AC?

I want to give non-Olympic athletes a stronger voice, improve the visibility of our sports, and promote fair opportunities. I will work for better marketing, athlete rights, and sustainability.

Q2 What experience do you have that you would bring to the IWGA AC?

As a The World Games champion, Olympian, and Athletes' Committee member, I understand both non-Olympic and Olympic sports. My experience and sports management studies help me advocate for athletes.

Q3 Why should your fellow athletes vote for you?

I know the challenges non-Olympic athletes face. I will work to increase recognition and promote sustainability in sports. Your voice matters—I will make sure it is heard.

Q4 What is the biggest challenge you have faced as an athlete?

Switching from finswimming to Olympic swimming in two years was a huge challenge. I had to prove myself in a new sport, but it showed that non-Olympic athletes deserve the same recognition.

Q5 How did you become involved in sport?

My parents wanted me to be safe in the water, so I learned to swim at the Divers Club of Debrecen. I saw the competitive swimmers using fins—and instantly fell in love with finswimming.

Q6 How has sport had an impact on your life?

Sport has molded my character, teaching me determination, discipline, and resilience. It gave me unforgettable moments, lifelong friendships, and the drive to help other athletes succeed.

Q7 What would be your top three priorities if you were elected?

Better marketing and visibility for non-Olympic sports. Stronger athlete rights and fair conditions. Sustainability in sports, integrating eco-friendly solutions.

Q8 Describe your personality in three words:

Dedicated, ambitious, precise

Q9 What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about sports, athlete advocacy, and sustainability. I want to help non-Olympic sports gain more recognition and create a better future for all athletes.

Q10 Why is the athletes’ voice important to you?

All athletes deserve equal recognition. I want to represent non-Olympic athletes, ensuring their concerns are heard and they receive opportunities similar to those of Olympic athletes.