For a multiple world champion, Vanda Kiszli exudes humility. Perhaps it is this quiet modesty that has kept her at the top of the game for so long.
In a few days, the Canoe Marathon superstar will take to the waters at Xinglong Lake, aiming to win kayak single short distance and long distance titles at The World Games 2025.
However, as she arrives in Chengdu, the title of double defending champion is no longer significant to her.
Downplaying her chances, Kiszli feels that anybody on the circuit has the chance to make history in the Chinese city.
“Three years have passed since then, which is a long time. Some people have quit kayaking, and there are new, young, motivated athletes,” she said.
“In light of that, I don’t feel any kind of confidence – after all, everyone could have improved a lot over the past three years.
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“So I’m not going there as a defending champion, but as just another competitor. I’m trying to take the pressure and the expectations off myself this way.”
It is a known fact that Kiszli is a specialist in long distance, with five back-to-back world titles leading into 2024.
But that remarkable streak came to a finish at the International Canoe Federation Canoe Marathon World Championships in Metkovic last year.
The emergence of Melina Andersson saw her dominance end, with the Swede doing a double in Croatia.
At the 2024 ICF Hangzhou Super Cup, two more gold medals for Andersson were a clear message that she is here to stay.
Still, Kiszli sees her younger rival not as a threat, but as inspiration.
“I really enjoy racing with Melina. She’s a great competitor, fair, focused, and impressive,” Kiszli said.
“It might seem strange to say this about a younger athlete, but I look up to her for how determined and motivated she is.
“I’m expecting a big battle with her (as always)! Of course, I’m wary of the other athletes too.”
At 31, for an athlete of her stature, Kiszli still feels the butterflies in her stomach as she prepares for a big event.
“I never feel like I’m in good shape. I’m too afraid of races,” she said.
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Over the years, she has adjusted her training methods slightly, but her core philosophy remains unchanged: trust her coach, train hard, and stay focused.
While recent results led to some doubts creeping in, Kiszli used it as motivation.
Despite times being tough, she is thankful for all the support around her, with the Hungarian crediting her husband for being at the heart of it all.
“That’s the sport — and that’s the beauty of it. That’s what keeps us motivated. You always have to expect that someone will be better, and that makes it easier to train,” Kiszli said.
“If you think of yourself as the best, you tend to get too comfortable. It feels good to know that the younger athletes behind me are reaching – or even surpassing – my level. That’s how the field stays strong year after year.
“I met my husband eight years ago, and we’ve been married for four years. He’s accompanied me to many competitions, and The World Games won’t be an exception.
“He’s a huge support to me; he always gives me a sense of safety, and he’s the best at calming me down.
“He supports and helps me in everything. I hope that throughout our life, I’ll be able to give back all the good he’s given me during my career.”
Following The World Games, Kiszli will set her sights on a home World Championships in Gyor, where she will have another chance to regain the crown she lost.
However, she revealed that balancing the two competitions presents a unique challenge.
“For me, the main competition of the year is The World Games. But it’s difficult, because of course you want to give your best at the World Championships too – and if it’s a home event, then I’d even say you want to give 110%,” she said.
“It’s hard to be at your peak twice in one month, but I can say that I’m trying to get into the best possible shape for both events.”
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