Olympic Medalist Şevval İlayda Tarhan met with students at MAKÜ

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, the national athlete Şevval İlayda Tarhan, who won a silver medal for Turkey in the 10-meter air pistol mixed team category, met with the students of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University. The successful athlete shared her experiences by telling about her journey in shooting at the organized talk and advised young people to definitely engage in a sport.

The talk titled “A Turkish Woman on the World Stage: Representation and Responsibility” was moderated by Faculty of Sports Sciences Dr. Lecturer Mert Nalbant. Tarhan both shared excerpts from her sports life and answered questions from the students.

After the talk, Tarhan made statements, reminding that she is a graduate of Gazi University Physical Education and Sports Teaching, and said:

“I have been involved in the sport of shooting for about 11 years and I am a national athlete. Being in the Olympic team and winning Turkey's first Olympic medal in this branch is a great honor and responsibility. Achieving this success together with my teammate Yusuf Dikeç is also a separate happiness for us. We want to continue on our path with the same determination from now on.”

Emphasizing that young people should not lose their faith, Tarhan said, “I believe that everyone, regardless of age difference, can achieve their goals by working hard. Love themselves, believe in themselves, and dedicate themselves to the work they love. As long as they do not give up, there is nothing they cannot achieve.”

After the talk, the President of the Scientific Research Health and Performance Board of the Turkish Shooting Federation and Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Faculty of Sports Sciences Dr. Lecturer Mert Nalbant expressed their satisfaction in hosting the national athlete in Burdur.

Saying, “It is a great gain for us to bring together an athlete who is in the top 8 in the world rankings and a pride of Turkey with our students,” Nalbant stated that Tarhan plays an important role both in representing Turkey on the international stage and with her identity as a female athlete. Nalbant also noted that Tarhan aims for multiple medals at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Emphasizing that Tarhan successfully carries out her responsibilities as a coach and other duties besides being an athlete, inspiring students, Nalbant said, “We were proud to host her here.”