My background in sports began in the water. Playing competitive water polo for four years at K.S.S.K built both my physical foundation and strength of character. However, after university, the demands of a busy career kept me away from active sports for over two decades. By age 40, a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet had led to weight struggles and hypoglycemia. Everything changed when I met Faruk Kar, who initially became my trainer and later a close friend. Thanks to Faruk’s tailored guidance and constant encouragement, I reconnected with fitness—this time driven by genuine excitement rather than a sense of obligation. Taking up running was truly life-changing. Starting on the road, I quickly fell in love with the freedom of mountain trails, immersing myself in nature. Eventually, I combined trail running with swimming and cycling to enter the world of triathlon, but my heart remains connected to mountain terrain.

Even as an eight-year-old child, I dreamed of venturing into vast deserts and testing my limits in extreme environments. That early spirit of adventure and profound love for nature has stayed with me ever since, drawing me to rugged mountains and vast landscapes around the world. My passion for distance running began in high school and naturally evolved into mountain trail running during my university years, inspiring me to pursue a career in sports education. After graduating from Marmara University’s School of Physical Education and Sports (MÜ BESYO) in 1996, I began working as a physical education teacher and athletic coach. For over a decade, I have competed internationally in high-level mountain ultra-marathons and adventure races. Alongside competing, I organize mountain trail and adventure racing events to showcase our country’s spectacular natural beauty and rich cultural heritage to the global sports community.