A curiosity that started with watching his brother's training... The first step taken with a boxing glove given to him on his 7th birthday... Today, they are both European champions. In women's category, Ada Eybey won gold medals in 66 kilos and Masal Ece Buruk won gold medals in 75 kilos. Saliha Ceylin Pehlivan silver in 46 kilos; Sudem Temuçin in 54 kilos, Sudenur Yalgettekin in 63 kilos and Deniz Bekiz in men's 52 kilos won bronze medals. We completed the championship with a total of 6 medals. What our two young athletes have in common is not just the European championship. They both started boxing under the influence of their families. Moreover, they are aware of the prejudices they encounter while doing this sport. There are sacrifices as well as big dreams for the future on their way to the medal.
'I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED WITH MY ACHIEVEMENTS AND WRITE MY STORY'
Masal Ece Buruk (gold medal in 75 kilos)
◊ How did you start boxing?
I started thanks to my brother. My brother was boxing before me. While watching his training, I saw him and wanted to start too.
◊ How did you feel when you learned that you were the European champion? What went through your mind when you thought about the efforts you had made so far?
I experienced a happiness that is difficult to describe. There was a lot of effort, sacrifice and difficult times behind it. At that moment I felt like all of this had paid off. The first thing that came to my mind was my family, my teachers and the people who were with me throughout this process.
◊ What did you have to give up to get to this point?
Sometimes I stayed away from my family. While my friends were on holiday and traveling, we continued to work. I worked during holidays and sometimes stayed away from school. Sometimes I experienced periods where I was very tired physically and sometimes I was mentally challenged. But I didn't give up on my goals.
◊ Are there times when you lose your self-confidence despite all your hard work? How do you get back on your feet in moments like these?
From time to time, there are moments when I lose my self-confidence, but the important thing for me is not to give up in those moments. Sometimes it can be difficult to believe in oneself, but in such times the importance of discipline becomes evident.
◊ Did boxing teach you not only to fight, but also to know your own body?
I saw what my body can do, how much it can improve, and how I can fight even when I'm struggling. I learned to know my body, the importance of resting when I'm tired and taking care of myself. Being successful is not just about working hard, it's also about meeting the body's needs. Boxing taught me discipline, patience and fighting as well as physical strength.
◊ What do you think about boxing being seen as a men's sport? What would you like to say to girls like you who want to start this sport?
I am trying to show through my own struggle that this idea is not true. I would tell girls that it is normal to be afraid, but that they should not stop giving themselves a chance because they are afraid. They don't have to be very strong to begin with. They will learn by falling and then trying again.
◊ The European championship is an important turning point. What is your next biggest goal?
I want to see myself as an athlete who has achieved greater success in the international arena. The European championship is very important to me, but it is not the end of my goals. The world championship and the Olympics are among my biggest goals. That's why I want to continue improving myself. There are athletes I look up to, but I don't see a single person as my idol. Everyone has their own story and way of struggling. I want to write my own story and be remembered for my own achievements.
'THE IMPORTANT THING IS NOT TO QUIT THE FIGHT'
Ada Eybey (gold medal in 66 kilos)
◊ You started boxing at the age of 7 with a glove you received for your birthday. How do you remember the journey from those days to the European championship?
After glove, my brother taught me how to punch at home. Then he enrolled me in a club. Because I started at a very young age, everyone had different opinions. No one could have predicted that I would come this far, but my brother and my coach had a lot of faith in me from the moment I first started boxing.
◊ What went through your mind when you realized you were the European champion?
It's really hard to describe that moment. Because I worked hard and experienced a lot until I got there. When I realized that I had succeeded, I was both very happy and proud.
◊ How do you manage the excitement and pressure before the match?
After all, I am human; Sometimes there are moments when I have difficulty or doubt myself. At times like these, I remember why I started and what I've done until today. I try to listen to what my coaches say and focus on the match. I don't always have to be perfect; The important thing is not to give up the fight. Of course, there is excitement in a big organization like the European championship. After all, you are representing your country there and this is a huge responsibility. But we are already preparing for this level in training.
◊ Has boxing changed your relationship with your body and the way you see yourself?
I got to know my own strength and what I can do better. It's a sport that requires discipline. In addition to training, it is necessary to pay attention to rest and nutrition. I am also a lightweight athlete. Even though intense camps are tiring, if you have a goal, you get used to this routine.
◊ Boxing can still be seen as a sport reserved for men. Have you also encountered prejudices?
This sport has no gender. Anyone who wants can do this sport with proper training. I would be happy if I could encourage someone with my story. A girl should decide what she can do, not others. Let them not be afraid and give themselves a chance. You don't have to be a man to box. If they really want it, let them go and try it. They should not set limits for themselves before they even start. Everyone's story is different, but how much effort you put in is more important than where you start.
◊ Is there any athlete who inspires you? Where do you want to see yourself in five years?
I take Muhammad Ali as an example. His self-confidence, intelligence and challenging personality are inspiring. But instead of imitating him, I combine what I learned with my own style. I want to see myself in a better place after five years. I want to represent my country and achieve success in the Olympics. I will continue to work and move forward step by step.
