It’s what organisers of the 2017 FINA World Championships called “a reference point for what a world class swimming and diving facility should be.

And it was built in just under two years. When it comes to construction, that’s basically overnight.

“We were under pressure and everyone worked very hard,” said Tamas Gyarfas, a FINA Vice-President who served as the President of the Hungarian Swimming Federation for 23 years.

In one and a half years,” he said, “we were able to finish construction.

How?

The arena is an example of the Hungarian will to succeed.

When Hungary stepped in to host the 2017 FINA World Championships just two years ago, Budapest did not have a central venue for the swimming competition. Indeed, Budapest originally was awarded the event for 2021. But then Guadalajara, Mexico — 2017’s original host — withdrew.

Rising to the challenge, Hungary broke ground on the facility in May 2015. By early 2017, the arena, which has a seating capacity of 12,000, was already in use for training.

The complex boasts two Olympic-size pools and the country’s first professional diving facilities.

It’s clean, bright, and well designed: a victory for Hungarian sports and a nation looking to position itself as a leader on the world stage.

“We wanted to show to the world that we like the sport and we like the fans,” said Gyarfas.

“What we are trying to do through this competition is popularize that message.”

The facility has also been a highlight for athletes. At a pre-meet news conference, for instance, the veteran U.S. gold medallist Nathan Adrian said that even during practice the world-class facilities made him remember the energy of the Olympics.

I like the way they have the stands,” he said. “It’s like London,” a reference to the 2012 Games.

Following the Championships, the complex will be put into what the Hungarians call “legacy mode.

It will accommodate the needs of Hungary’s aquatics pursuits as well as the general public.

The seating capacity will decrease to 5,000 as temporary stands that were installed for the 2017 FINA World Championships will be removed and re-used in facilities elsewhere in the country.

Though the pristine arena is one way the Hungarian Organising Committee is ensuring a spectacular event, Gyarfas said this is just the first advantage of the complex:

“When the crowds leave, everyone can exercise and practice here.That is fantastic for the Hungarians.”