"Between Pools and Cities: Life as a Professional Water Polo Player" – Tamás Sedlmayer (Ep. 2)
What does it take to adapt as a professional athlete across Europe’s top water polo leagues? In this episode, our guest Tamás Sedlmayer — a seasoned player with international experience — reflects on his career in Germany, Italy, and now back home in Hungary. He shares a behind-the-scenes look at the competitive landscape of each league: from Germany’s top-heavy structure, to Italy’s grueling travel schedule and tough matches, to Hungary’s intense but logistically smoother setup. Beyond the pool, Tamás compares life in Berlin, Trieste, and Budapest — and reveals why Trieste remains his favorite city. He also opens up about pre-game rituals, his love for Italian cuisine, and the toughest opponents he’s faced over the years. For young athletes, his advice goes far beyond sport: resilience, mindset, and finding light in difficult moments. Finally, Tamás discusses the challenges and ambitions of his current season — leading one of Hungary’s youngest teams through a rebuilding phase, with the goal of breaking into the top eight and pushing even higher. 👉 You’ll hear about: Key differences between the German, Italian, and Hungarian leagues Life as a pro athlete moving between cities and cultures Personal routines, favorite memories, and career lessons Advice for the next generation of athletes Season goals and the reality of leading a young team through change 🎧 Press play and be inspired by the balance of competition, culture, and personal growth. 🔗 Listen now: Apple Podcasts Spotify Webseite 💡 If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to follow the podcast, leave a rating, and share it with a friend who loves sports, culture, or personal growth. Your support helps us bring more inspiring stories to you!