Petra Jaszapati

Petra Jaszapati, born on December 31, 1998, in Szeged, Hungary, is an accomplished short track speed skater. She began her short track career in 2008 in Szeged, joining the Szegedi Korcsolyazo Egyesulet (SZKE) club. Her early dedication to the sport stemmed from a love for speed, initially participating in both roller skating and short track before committing to short track due to its Olympic presence. Jaszapati is known for her disciplined approach, exemplified by her personal philosophy: “Hard work always pays off.” Her family has been a significant influence throughout her career, providing essential support. She is proficient in English, German, and Hungarian, and enjoys hiking and photography in her free time. Jaszapati consistently puts on her left skate first, a personal ritual before competing.

Jaszapati’s career highlights include participating in multiple Olympic Winter Games. She competed in the women’s 500 meters at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. In recognition of her performance, she received the Silver Cross of Merit of Hungary. Her most significant Olympic achievement came at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, where she earned a bronze medal in the 2000m mixed relay. This achievement led to her receiving the Gold Cross of Merit of Hungary in March 2022, acknowledging her contributions to sport. Jaszapati has also achieved success at the European Championships, securing a gold medal in the 500m at the 2025 Dresden event, as well as multiple silver and bronze medals in various relay and individual events across several championships.

Beyond short track speed skating, Jaszapati has diversified her athletic endeavors. In 2020, she participated in the Hungarian National Track Cycling Championships, where she won three gold medals. She represented Hungary in track cycling at the 2022 European Championships in Munich, Germany. Despite facing injuries, including a hand injury in June 2020 and an illness that caused her to withdraw from the 2023 National Championships and a World Cup event, she has consistently returned to competition. Her resilience and adaptability highlight her commitment to sport, making her an inspirational figure for aspiring athletes.