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Turkish Archery Champions Inspire Future Generations at Near East University

The Turkish archers Mete Gazoz, Ulaş Berkim Tümer, and Muhammet Abdullah Yıldırmış inspired young athletes at Near East University, sharing their journey from training to winning Türkiye’s first team medal in archery at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Their coach, Yusuf Göktuğ Ergin, discussed their dedication and the strategic vision that led to their success, emphasizing the importance of resilience, teamwork, and continuous development for future generations in archery.

At Near East University, three accomplished Turkish archers—Mete Gazoz, Ulaş Berkim Tümer, and Muhammet Abdullah Yıldırmış—recently engaged with young athletes and enthusiasts, sharing their extraordinary experiences from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games where they secured Türkiye’s first team medal in archery. Guided by Coach Yusuf Göktuğ Ergin, the trio participated in a session titled “Champions of the Century,” organized in conjunction with the university’s Faculty of Sports Sciences and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Archery Federation. This event also included the presence of Abdullah Topaloğlu, President of the Turkish Archery Federation and a member of the Turkish National Olympic Committee Board.

During the session, moderated by Associate Professor Deniz Erdağ, the champions recounted their journeys, discussing their immense dedication and the emotional rewards of representing Türkiye internationally. Gazoz reminisced about the early influences in his life, stating, “I was born into archery,” as he detailed his beginnings in the sport at the tender age of three. His national team debut in 2013 marked a turning point in his career. Likewise, Tümer discovered his passion at age nine, making his national team debut in 2017, while Yıldırmış found his calling at a school event at age ten and advanced through local team competitions.

The commitment displayed by these athletes is remarkable; Gazoz mentioned, “We train about eight hours daily, sometimes extending to 10-11 hours during peak periods,” highlighting their rigorous training schedules. Yıldırmış echoed this sentiment, explaining how they often train in the early mornings and late evenings to achieve their objectives. The trio’s dedication is instrumental in their success and serving as a model for aspiring archers.

Achieving an Olympic medal has transformed the public perception of these athletes. Gazoz expressed the duality of fame, reflecting, “Being recognized everywhere is heartwarming but can also be exhausting. The responsibility to inspire future generations keeps us grounded.” Tümer added, “Mete’s earlier fame prepared us for the spotlight,” while Yıldırmış humorously remarked about being frequently mistaken for Gazoz in public due to their shared recognition.

Tümer acknowledged personal growth as his toughest challenge, stating, “Learning to conquer my own doubts took time, but experience has been my best teacher.” Yıldırmış shared anxiety related to his debut in the Olympics, emphasizing how perseverance was crucial in overcoming such obstacles. Furthermore, Gazoz elaborated on the origins of his signature victory gesture, attributing it to advice given during his initial training camp.

Coach Yusuf Göktuğ Ergin attributed the trio’s accomplishments to a long-term strategic vision initiated in 2013, emphasizing the importance of developing young talent with Olympic aspirations. Ergin stated, “We focused on nurturing young talent by envisioning them as future Olympians,” which has become evident in their growing achievements since 2016. He underscored the significance of fostering teamwork and resilience, essential attributes that unite this exceptional group, and emphasized the continuous need for education and development to support Türkiye’s archery ambitions going forward.

This article highlights the achievements of Turkish archers Mete Gazoz, Ulaş Berkim Tümer, and Muhammet Abdullah Yıldırmış, focusing on their recent interactions with aspiring athletes at Near East University. These athletes recently brought home Türkiye’s first team medal in archery at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, reflecting the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and the strategic planning of their coach. The event aimed not only to celebrate their achievements but also to serve as an inspiration for younger generations in Türkiye.

In conclusion, the stories shared by Mete Gazoz, Ulaş Berkim Tümer, and Muhammet Abdullah Yıldırmış epitomize the dedication required to excel in archery at an international level. Their experiences highlight the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and strategic planning in achieving success. The inspirational event at Near East University serves as a testament to their commitment to not only personal achievement but also their role in motivating and guiding future athletes in Türkiye’s burgeoning archery scene.

Original Source: www.dailysabah.com

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