Historic Achievement in Swimming

National swimmer and world record holder Hüseyin Emre Sakcı, a student at Izmir University of Economics (IUE), achieved another historic success by becoming the European champion in the 50-meter breaststroke. Competing at the European Swimming Championships held in Belgrade, Serbia, Sakcı topped the rankings with a time of 26.92 seconds, leaving his strong competitors behind and bringing great pride to Turkey. The Fenerbahçe swimmer, who won Turkey's first senior European championship in a long course, Sakçı said, “When I stepped onto the podium to receive the medal, I felt my legs shaking with excitement. I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life. I am very happy to have brought this pride to my country.”

Continuing his academic journey at the IUE Vocational School, Applied English Translation program, Emre Sakcı has achieved consecutive and remarkable successes.

A SERIES OF ACHIEVEMENTS

After bringing home a medal in the 50-meter breaststroke at the European Short Course Swimming Championships held in Scotland in 2019, Sakcı broke 3 European records at the International Swimming League in Hungary. Representing Turkey at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Sakcı achieved second place in the 2021 European Short Course Championships. In December 2021, at the Turkish Şehitkamil Arena Interclub Short Course Youth and Open Age Swimming Championships held in Gaziantep, national pride Emre Sakcı set a world record in the 50-meter breaststroke with a time of 24.95 seconds. Following this, Sakcı secured third place at the European Short Course Swimming Championships in Otopeni, Romania. This year, Sakcı achieved his dream of becoming a European champion at the championship held in Belgrade, getting his name etched in golden letters in history.

DEDICATING TO MY COUNTRY

Expressing his gratitude to everyone who supported him on his way to the European championship, especially the Turkish Swimming Federation and Fenerbahçe Sports Club, Sakcı said, “It was a very meaningful, special, and fantastic championship for me, ending with a gold medal. I am proud and happy beyond words that our national anthem was played and our flag waved. I experienced indescribable pride and happiness. I thank everyone who has shown me love and support so far. I dedicate this success and this medal to my beloved country. As I have done so far, I will continue to work with all my strength to achieve the best and reach new successes.”