Meet the Team: Soma Kis-Szölgyémi & András Sámuel Juhász – The Hungarian 29er 2024 Eurocup Champions
by International 29er Class 6 Nov 2024 00:38 NZDT
Soma Kis-Szölgyémi & András Sámuel Juhász – The Hungarian 29er 2024 Eurocup Champions © World Sailing
In October 2024, Hungarian sailors Soma Kis-Szölgyémi and András Sámuel Juhász secured the top spot in the prestigious 29er Eurocup circuit, triumphing over nearly 400 boats and an international fleet.
Competing in just five of the thirteen events, they held consistently high scores, winning two of the races to claim the overall title. Here's an inside look at Soma and András, their passion for sailing, and what it took to rise to the top in one of Europe's most competitive sailing circuits.
Q: Soma and András, congratulations on winning the 2024 Eurocup! Let's start with some basics. How did you two start sailing, and how did you become a team?
Soma & András: Thank you! We actually both started sailing when we were around six years old during a summer camp. We've been close friends ever since, so when it came time to switch from the Optimist class to the 29er, it was obvious we'd choose each other as teammates.
Q: Competing in only five events out of the thirteen in the Eurocup, yet still managing to finish on top, is incredible! How did you decide which events to enter?
Soma & András: Our coaches usually recommend which events are best for us to enter as a team. They help us weigh our options, and we try to make choices that leave us enough time to recover between each event. The focus is on quality over quantity.
Q: You're young athletes juggling school and an intense sailing career. What's a typical week like for each of you?
Soma & András: We attend a regular high school five days a week, but we also fit in physical training in the afternoons. From March through October, we're out on the water every weekend for training. Balancing everything can be a challenge, but it keeps us on track for each event.
Q: What would you say is the secret behind your strong teamwork and trust on the water?
Soma & András: Honestly, it's the long friendship and partnership we've built over the years, and we also owe a lot to our incredible trainers. Their guidance has been key to helping us develop trust and communicate well during intense moments on the water.
Q: Beyond sailing, what do you each enjoy doing when you have time to unwind?
Soma & András: We both love skiing, biking, and spending time with friends and family. Being active and having a solid support system off the water really helps us stay balanced.
Q: What's next for you two? Any specific goals or events on the horizon?
Soma & András: Our main goal for next year is to do well in the youth worlds and the 29er worlds. We're also starting the transition into the 49er class, which is exciting. It's a big step up, but we're ready for the challenge.
Q: Finally, any advice for young sailors looking to follow in your footsteps?
Soma & András: The most important thing is to enjoy sailing, but try to stay consistent and have fun with it. If you keep showing up and learning from every race, it will eventually pay off.
With their dedication, friendship, and a team of supportive coaches, Soma Kis-Szölgyémi and András Sámuel Juhász have firmly established themselves as rising stars in the sailing world. Here's to seeing where their journey takes them next!