Survivor of earthquake claims title as champion in arm wrestling competition of Türkiye
Zehra Olgar, a 13-year-old girl from Turkey, has achieved the title of the country's arm wrestling champion, rising through adversity and hardship. Hailing from a region affected by a devastating earthquake, Zehra's journey is a testament to resilience and determination.
After the earthquake, Zehra and her family moved to Manavgat district of Antalya in search of a fresh start. The collapse of education and health care systems severely affected Zehra and her siblings' mental health, causing them to struggle to make friends and feel isolated for a year. However, Zehra found solace and strength in sports.
Zehra's interest in arm wrestling began after her physical education teacher, Ahmet Urün, announced opportunities for students to participate in various sports disciplines. Urün, who had completed a physical education internship in the U.S., believes in the power of sports to transform lives, especially for disadvantaged students.
Initially, the arm wrestling team faced limited facilities, with early training sessions taking place in a modest gym of a teammate's residential complex. However, a fitness center was sponsored for the team's training, thanks to the support from the local headman and school principal.
Zehra's dedication and hard work paid off when she clinched the Antalya championship. This was followed by a regional victory, and ultimately, she secured the title of Turkey champion in the over-65 kg heavyweight category at the School Sports Arm Wrestling Championship in Gümüşhane.
For Zehra's mother, Emine Olgar, who has been battling health issues, including ongoing cancer treatment for over a decade, Zehra's championship has been the greatest source of joy amid their struggles. The family moved to Manavgat due to the difficulties in life after the earthquake in Hatay.
Zehra's success has not only been a personal sports victory but also a symbol of resilience and hope that has positively impacted her family’s morale during challenging times. Her father, Süleyman Olgar, emphasizes the importance of sports in child development and hopes to see his daughter succeed at the European level.
Despite facing significant personal and environmental challenges, Zehra continues to strive for more, aiming to make her family even prouder. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating the power of determination and the transformative effect of sports on individuals and communities.
Soon after settling in Manavgat, Zehra's family discovered that the environmental changes had also impacted the local educational resources, making it difficult for Zehra and her siblings to acquire an appropriate education.
Thanks to her dedication to sports, particularly basketball, Zehra developed strong social connections, overcoming the isolation that had initially plagued her. She joined a local basketball team and became an integral member of their victories.
In the near future, Zehra aspires to represent Europe in basketball tournaments, following her success in arm wrestling. She dreams of using her platform to advocate for the importance of education, health, and the environment, ensuring a brighter future for herself and others who have faced similar challenges.
