She is a three-time Olympian (1988, 1992 and 1996) and five time Olympic champion; and one of three individuals (Dawn Fraser and Michael Phelps being other two) to have ever won the same swimming event at three Summer Olympics.
She was elected Hungarian Sportswoman of the Year in 1994 and 1995, ending swimmer Krisztina Egerszegi's string of six consecutive titles.