Turkish swimmer with no legs, arm sets sights on national team

By Hayati Akcay

ORDU, Türkiye (AA) - Beyza Nur Sezgin is aiming for new heights by joining the Turkish National Swimming Team despite having no legs and a left arm.

Sezgin, 24, who won a silver and bronze at the Para Swimming Turkey Championship in Konya in December, is on track to achieve her goals.

"After I started swimming, I gained self-confidence. I saw what I could achieve in this life," Sezgin told Anadolu. "Thanks to this sport, I learned what I can do with perseverance. I had concerns about the future before. Now, I think I am an example with my determination. I am very, very happy the way I am."

Sezgin has amassed 13 swimming medals but said her biggest goal is to join the national team. "I see many successful disabled swimmers in Türkiye. Like them, I want to represent my country in domestic and international organizations," she said.

Her mother, Hatice Sezgin said her daughter was born with a disability but when she looks at Beyza Nur she does not see obstacles.

"I can say that my daughter almost came to her senses thanks to swimming. Her self-confidence has returned. Currently, Beyza Nur wants to achieve everything by her own means. I never see my daughter as a disabled person."

"Even during the COVID-19 epidemic, we did not leave our athlete alone. We did our best to keep her working," said Sezgin's trainer, Onur Ozkan. "She is already a very determined and hard-working athlete. She really wants to achieve her goals. We trust her completely."

*Writing by Selcuk Bugra Gokalp