Eda Yildirim

Started: She took up Para athletics [shot put] in 2017 in Samsun, Turkiye. (aa.com.tr, 04 Dec 2023; Athlete, 09 Nov 2019; Athlete, 02 Sep 2024) Reason: Coach Aytunc Goz discovered her talent for athletics. "I started athletics with the 400m event. Aytunc Goz who was my coach for about eight years, directed me to throw shot put. I tried football and other athletics events until I realised shot put was my talent. Now I am happy and have goals in my life." (aa.com.tr, 04 Dec 2023, 27 Aug 2019; gazetekarinca.com, 02 Aug 2019) Ambition: To win a medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (dailysabah.com, 02 Aug 2024) Additional Info: EARTHQUAKE SURVIVOR She had to be rescued at age eight when she was trapped under debris caused by the 2011 Van earthquakes in eastern Turkiye. She moved to the city of Samsun with her family afterwards. "I was buried in the earthquake and it was a very bad time. I was upset that I could lose my family but I am happy now in a new city. I met my coach and his family and started to laugh and have goals." (milliyet.com.tr, 21 Feb 2021; aa.com.tr, 27 Aug 2019; gazetekarinca.com, 02 Aug 2019)