While all of this was unfolding back home, I had the opportunity to meet another promising Turkish athlete, Ayşe Baran, who was located 3,017 kilometres away from her hometown. Ayşe just secured a gold medal in the seated long jump at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. 
 

FIRST TURKISH GOLD MEDAL This remarkable achievement marked Turkey's first gold medal in the competition. It's important to note that this is Ayşe's first experience competing in the World Games, as she was discovered by her teacher when she started high school and has only been involved in this sport for the past three years. 
 

UNRIVALLED PROWESS Ayşe's initial international exposure was at the Malta Invitational Games, where she not only participated but also returned triumphantly with a gold medal. Having elevated her skills to an impressive level, Ayşe aims to defend her title in the upcoming games. At the age of 16, Ayşe has demonstrated her unrivalled prowess and has rightfully earned the title of being the world's best in her category. Surprisingly, despite being regarded as Arda Güler's contemporary, Ayşe Baran remains relatively unknown in Turkey.