Biography
Started: She took up Para athletics in 2013 in Samsun, Turkiye. (Athlete, 09 Nov 2019)
Reason: She was encouraged to take up Para athletics by coach Aytunc Goz, who spotted her talent. "I wanted to change my life. I wanted to win a Paralympic Games gold medal." (Athlete, 09 Nov 2019; timeturk.com, 27 Jul 2019)
Additional Info: EARLY LIFE
She is one of nine siblings and was fostered to a different family as a child. "I have eight brothers and sisters, so my family gave me to a foster family because they could not afford to raise me as well." In 2020 she organised renovations to her birth mother's house with the support of the governor and mayor of the Carsamba district in Turkiye. She had previously stated in 2017 that it was her ambition to buy her family a home. "My mother only wanted a kitchen, but I renovated the house completely. I am very happy for her. I hope I will make it even better in the future." (aa.com.tr, 03 Oct 2020; sporx.com, 03 Dec 2017)
Sporting Relatives: Her niece Elif Bayrak has competed in Para athletics [sprints] at national level in Turkiye. (gunaydinsamsun.com, 21 Nov 2023)
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Details
GenderFemale
Birth DateDecember 25, 1998
Place of ResidenceSAMSUN
OccupationAthlete
Languages SpokenTurkish
CoachAytunc Goz [personal], TUR, from 2014
Highlights
| Rank | Event | Year | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralympic Games | ||||
| 4 | Long Jump - T20 | 2020 | Tokyo, JPN | 5.37 |
| World Championships | ||||
| 5 | Long Jump - T20 | 2019 | Dubai, UAE | 5.38 |
| 5 | Long Jump - T20 | 2017 | London, GBR | 5.03 |
| 6 | Long Jump - T20 | 2023 | Paris, FRA | 5.39 |
| 12 | Long Jump - T20 | 2024 | Kobe, JPN | 4.76 |
