Márta Kropkó has revealed the devastating consequences of her disqualification from the WTCS Grand Final in Pontevedra, describing how a result she hoped could transform her career was taken away moments after she crossed the finish line.
The Hungarian youngster raced alongside Kate Waugh during the run and finished fourth on the road, only to be excluded for riding before the mount line in the first transition.
What briefly looked like a breakthrough for the 23-year-old instead became an agonising disappointment. And in an emotional Instagram post, Kropkó explained why the loss went far beyond a finishing position, detailing the sacrifices her family have made and her struggle to attract sponsors.
“My world is in pieces”
Kropkó said she had barely begun to absorb her performance before learning that it would not count.
“4th across the line at the World Champs Final. I had one minute to believe it was real, that this result was mine, before I got told I’d been disqualified.
“My best result ever, and Hungary’s best at a Grand Final, taken away, along with a series ranking just outside the top 10.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever finish this high again, and right now my world is in pieces.”
The infringement was initially listed on the timing as a 15-second penalty for a mount-line violation, before her status changed to a pending disqualification for riding in T1.
Kropkó acknowledged that she had broken the rule, but questioned the escalation of the punishment and said her protest took three hours to be decided.
“First, to be clear: my mistake didn’t gain me any time or positions, and even with a penalty I would still have finished 4th.
“My protest took three hours to be decided, so it clearly wasn’t an easy call for the judges either. But turning a penalty into a DSQ on the last lap of the run just feels cruel…”
“I take full responsibility”
Explaining her account of the incident, Kropkó said a smaller line before the correct mount line, together with a cameraman obstructing her view, had contributed to the mistake.
“I know I broke a rule, even if it was by accident. I take full responsibility, I apologise, and honestly, I feel really embarrassed about it especially since I’ve never had a penalty in my life.
“At the end of T1 there was a first, smaller line, and a cameraman with a huge camera on his shoulder was standing in the middle of the way, completely blocking my view of the second, correct one.
“Yes, I know there is only one green line, but when you’re racing, you don’t always think clearly, and after the swim your vision narrows.”
She added that other athletes had subsequently told her they too had found the first line confusing.
The sacrifices behind the result
The most revealing part of Kropkó’s post concerned the financial pressures behind her racing, and why she had hoped fourth place in a World Championship Final could open doors.
“Here’s my reality with full honesty: I’m a midfield athlete from a small country with almost no triathlon market. I have almost no sponsors, and I pay for about 85% of all my equipment myself, down to the smallest things like gels.
“Years ago my parents sold their family house to support us on our journey. I still live with my parents, and my mum sleeps in the living room so her kids can all have their own bedroom and rest properly between training sessions.”
Kropkó said she had sent around 300 emails to brands seeking support, with most going unanswered and some describing her as a “dedicated amateur”.
“I kept trying anyway, but I was never quite ‘a good enough fit.’ This result could have opened doors.
“It could have helped me stand a bit on my own and give back to my parents, so they could focus on my younger siblings. Losing the result meant losing that chance too…”
She also revealed that she had initially received a few hurtful comments and messages in the aftermath of the disqualification.
“I’m already so emotional, and I’m my own harshest critic… so believe me, nobody is harder on me right now than I am, so these words hurt deeply.”
Support from fellow athletes
But the vast majority were hugely supportive and among those was Vasco Vilaca, who was crowned men’s world champion in Pontevedra.
He said: “It’s heartbreaking, but look how far you’ve come. Don’t let one detail overshadow the incredible race that was. So happy for you and so much to come I am sure!”
Jeanne Lehair also urged Kropkó to retain belief in what she had achieved, despite her exclusion from the results.
“Already told you, but you achieved something amazing even if it’s not written on the results page and as an athlete it’s the most important. Not an easy one but don’t doubt you can do it officially again!”
Silver after the heartbreak
Despite the devastating disappointment, Kropkó returned the following morning to help Hungary claim silver in the U23-Junior Mixed Team Relay World Championships.
It was a remarkable response to a weekend she admitted would take time to process.
“I’ve never cried this much. I’m heartbroken, and I don’t know how long it will take to get over this race…”
But she ended her post by thanking those who had supported her, from family and friends to people she had never met.
“But all the hugs, messages and kind words I’ve received are the biggest win of this weekend.”
“Thank you. You’re making this unbearable pain a little easier to carry.”
And a few days later, after the dust had settled, there was a heartwarming thank you from Márta to all of those people, which you can check out below, showing how much difference that support had made.
