National athlete Sahika Ercumen poses with Turkish flag in hand during the Free Diving Open Water Seniors and Masters Individual Türkiye Championship held in Antalya, Türkiye, July 20, 2025. (AA Photo)
July 20, 2025 03:10 PM GMT+03:00
World record-holding free diver Sahika Ercumen dominated the Open Water Free Diving Turkish Championship for Seniors and Masters, held in Kas, Antalya, winning gold in all four categories.
Organized by the Turkish Underwater Sports Federation, the national championship included four disciplines:
Constant weight with finsConstant weight with no finsConstant weight with bi-finsConstant weight with guide rope
Ercumen claimed gold medals in all four, making a clean sweep and confirming her place as one of Türkiye’s top freediving athletes.
National athlete Sahika Ercumen dives headfirst during her free dive at the Free Diving Open Water Seniors and Masters Individual Türkiye Championship in Antalya, Türkiye, July 20, 2025. (AA Photo)
Despite facing some health challenges earlier this season, Ercumen said she didn’t feel fully prepared to compete: “I thought I was not well prepared, but with experience and competitive spirit, I managed to win four out of 4. It was a very successful tournament, even though it was physically demanding.”
Eyes on World Championship
Looking ahead, Ercumen said her next goal is to represent Türkiye at the World Free Diving Championship, set to take place in Greece in September: “The performances here give me motivation. I aim to compete at my best in the World Championship and bring more medals back to Türkiye.”
July 20, 2025 03:10 PM GMT+03:00