Bánhidi-Farkas Petra: Hungary’s Record-Shattering Long Jump Star

Bánhidi-Farkas Petra (born Petra Farkas on April 30, 1999, in Budapest) has emerged as Hungary’s premier long jumper, combining technical precision with competitive consistency. A U23 European champion, six-time national champion, and Olympian, her career exemplifies resilience and the pursuit of excellence in track and field.

Early Career and Junior Dominance

Petra’s athletic journey began at youth competitions, where her potential quickly became evident. At the 2016 European Youth Championships in Tbilisi, she placed fourth in the long jump with 6.08m19. The following year, she improved to fourth at the 2017 European U20 Championships (6.28m)9, and in 2018, she secured fifth at the World U20 Championships (6.16m)9. These performances laid the groundwork for her transition to senior competition.

Senior Breakthroughs and National Dominance

European and Global Stages

Petra’s senior breakthrough came at the 2019 European U23 Championships in Gävle, where she won silver with 6.55m9. Later that year, she debuted at the World Championships in Doha, finishing 23rd in qualifying (6.44m)9. Her career reached new heights in 2021 when she claimed gold at the European U23 Championships in Tallinn, setting a personal best of 6.73m9.

By 2023, she shattered her own record with a 6.77m leap in Budapest, ranking 55th globally18. This mark remains Hungary’s outdoor national record29.

Olympic Journey: Paris 2024

Petra qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming Hungary’s sole female long jump representative. Despite fracturing her ankle during warm-ups, she cleared 6.40m in qualifying39. Though she didn’t advance, her participation marked Hungary’s first Olympic long jump appearance since 20169.

Technical Profile and Training

Mechanics and Training Regimen

Petra’s success stems from meticulous technical refinement under coach László Szenczi29. Key elements include:

• Approach Speed: 8.1–8.4 m/s, utilizing a 16-stride pattern2.

• Takeoff Mechanics: Vertical force production of 4.8 kN and a 20–22° takeoff angle2.

• Aerial Phase: “Hang-Style” technique to maximize flight distance2.

Her training balances plyometrics, sprint drills (30m in 3.98s), and strength work (squatting 1.4x bodyweight)2.

Versatility in Sprints

Beyond jumping, Petra excels in sprints:

• 100m: 11.72s (+0.1 m/s, 2020)9.

• 60m (Indoor): 7.43s (2020)9.

• 4x100m Relay: Helped Hungary to a 45.13s national record in 202219.

National Legacy and Awards

Championship Record

Petra has dominated Hungarian athletics:

• 7x National Champion (2017, 2021–2024 outdoors; 2019, 2022, 2025 indoors)29.

• 2022 Piotr Nurowski Prize for Europe’s best young athlete1.

Overcoming Adversity

A 2023 ankle fracture during Olympic qualifying threatened her career. However, a rehab program featuring AlterG treadmill work and isometric holds enabled a full recovery3. She returned weeks later to win gold at the World U20 Championships (1.91m)9, proving her resilience.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Beyond Athletics

• Education: Studying social pedagogy, aiming to support youth through sports813.

• Family: Married to Bence Bánhidi; mother to Gizmo13.

• Sustainability Advocacy: Serves as a Climate Action ambassador, promoting environmental consciousness in sports8.

Social Media Influence

With over 2.9K Instagram followers (@petrafarkas0430), Petra shares training insights, sustainability initiatives, and personal milestones, fostering a connection with fans13.

Future Trajectory

Coaches project Petra surpassing 6.80m by 2026, targeting podium finishes at the 2025 World Championships and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Her technical adjustments, particularly in drive-phase efficiency, could yield further improvements29.

Conclusion

Bánhidi-Farkas Petra redefines Hungarian track and field. From youth championships to Olympic stages, her journey-marked by record leaps and unwavering resilience-inspires a new generation. As she told fans post-Paris: “Every centimeter isn’t just a number; it’s proof we can surpass yesterday’s limits”8. For Petra, the runway ahead promises both literal and metaphorical leaps, cementing her legacy as Hungary’s aerial virtuoso.

Go Bánhidi-Farkas!