Born: 1992 (Ankara, Turkey)
Biography:
Şaziye Erdoğan-Okur, born on February 23, 1992, is a prominent Turkish weightlifter known for her remarkable career in the Women’s −45 kg division. Hailing from a humble background, she has defied the odds to become a world-record holder and a respected figure in the weightlifting community.
Şaziye was born into a modest family in Ankara, where her father worked as a construction worker. Determined from an early age, she embarked on her weightlifting journey at the tender age of 11 while attending primary school in Keçiören, Ankara. It quickly became evident that Şaziye possessed an innate talent and a relentless work ethic that would propel her to great heights in the sport.
In the 2009 European Weightlifting Junior Championships held in Landskrona, Sweden, Şaziye showcased her immense potential and set the stage for her future success. She shattered four European youth records by lifting an astonishing 79.0 kg in snatch, 97.0 kg in clean & jerk, and a total of 172.0 kg, which she later improved to 176.0 kg. This exceptional performance garnered widespread attention and cemented her status as a rising star in weightlifting.
Guided by esteemed coaches such as Talat Ünlü, Mustafa Doğan, Erkan Kayır, and Nurcihan Gönül, Şaziye continued to hone her skills and compete at the highest level. However, her journey encountered a significant setback in 2013 when she faced a two-year ban from international competition imposed by the International Weightlifting Federation due to the use of the anabolic steroid Stanozolol. Overcoming this adversity, Şaziye demonstrated her resilience and determination by making a triumphant return to the sport.
In 2021, Şaziye celebrated a milestone in her career by winning the bronze medal in the women’s 45 kg event at the World Weightlifting Championships held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This achievement not only solidified her status as an elite weightlifter but also brought immense pride to her nation.
Continuing her victorious streak, Şaziye emerged as the gold medalist in the women’s 45 kg event at the 2022 European Weightlifting Championships held in Tirana, Albania. This remarkable feat showcased her unwavering commitment to excellence and established her as one of the premier athletes in her weight category.
In addition to her European success, Şaziye clinched the bronze medal in both the women’s 49 kg Snatch and Clean & Jerk events at the 2022 Mediterranean Games held in Oran, Algeria. This accomplishment further solidified her reputation as a formidable competitor on the international stage.
Şaziye Erdoğan-Okur’s unwavering dedication, perseverance, and remarkable achievements have not only positioned her as a trailblazer in Turkish weightlifting but have also inspired countless individuals, particularly young girls, to pursue their passions and break barriers. Through her exceptional talent and unwavering spirit, Şaziye continues to leave an indelible mark on the sport and contributes to women’s history.
Awards:
– Bronze medal, women’s 45 kg event, World Weightlifting Championships (2021)
– Gold medal, women’s 45 kg event, European Weightlifting Championships (2022)
– Bronze medal, women’s 49 kg Snatch and Clean & Jerk events, Mediterranean Games (2022)