Texas Recruit Vivien Jackl Raises European Juniors Medal Count to 12
Not many athletes get the chance to compete at five editions of the European Junior Championships. To make that many appearances, an individual must earn an initial opportunity in her early teens, which was the case for Vivien Jackl. As a 13-year-old, the Hungarian was the bronze medalist in the 400-meter individual medley at the 2022 European Juniors in Otopeni, Romania.
Last week, Jackl continued to collect hardware at the European Juniors. Racing in Munich, Jackl captured the gold medal in the 200 butterfly and was the silver medalist in the 400 individual medley, 800 freestyle and 1500 freestyle. The performances in Germany lifted Jackl’s career podium appearances at the meet to 12. The breakdown is impressive, as it reflects Jackl’s versatility and ability to negotiate demanding programs.
But as superb as Jackl has been at the European Junior Champs, her best days likely await. A 2024 Olympian for Hungary, Jackl has committed to compete collegiately for the University of Texas. She is expected to arrive for the 2027-28 season, and follows the path of countryman Hubert Kos, who first represented Arizona State in the NCAA ranks, and transferred to Texas when coach Bob Bowman took the reins of the program.
Once she arrives at Texas, Jackl will work with the program of coach Carol Capitani, who has guided the Longhorns to six consecutive top-three finishes at the NCAA Champs. Being surrounded by top-tier talent will also provide Jackl with a training environment that could boost her to another level. Currently, she owns best times of 2:09.42 in the 200 butterfly and 4:34.96 in the 400 IM.
Next month, Jackl will get the chance to prove herself at the European Championships in Paris. Two years ago in Belgrade, she was the senior titlist in the 1500 freestyle and took silver in the 400 medley.
Vivien Jackl Medals at the European Junior Championships
2022 (Otopeni, Romania)
Bronze – 400 Individual Medley
2023 (Belgrade, Serbia)
Gold – 400 Individual Medley
2024 (Vilnius, Lithuania)
Gold – 400 Individual Medley
Gold – 800 Freestyle Relay
Silver – 800 Freestyle
Silver – 1500 Freestyle
2025 (Samorin, Slovakia)
Bronze – 400 Individual Medley
Bronze – 1500 Freestyle
2026 (Munich, Germany)
Gold – 200 Butterfly
Silver – 800 Freestyle
Silver – 1500 Freestyle
Silver – 400 Individual Medley