The shining star of Turkish athletics: Gamze Bulut

Buse Yıldırım

Gamze Bulut, who has achieved significant success in Turkish athletics, is looking to the future with hope, driven by her passion and determination for the sport. As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, Bulut shares her career journey, sources of motivation, and thoughts on the athletics culture in Europe.

Born on August 3, 1992, in Eskişehir, Gamze Bulut is one of the prominent figures in Turkish athletics. She began her athletic career at a young age, drawing attention in 2009 by winning third place in the 2000-meter steeplechase at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Tampere. The same year, she became the Balkan champion in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the Balkan Youth Athletics Championships in Greece.

London 2012: A Long Journey

In 2012, Gamze Bulut won a silver medal in the 1500 meters at the European Athletics Championships in Helsinki, finishing behind Aslı Çakır Alptekin. She then competed in the 1500 meters at the London Summer Olympics, making it to the final and securing a silver medal behind her teammate Alptekin. However, in 2015, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) disqualified Alptekin for doping, awarding the gold medal to Bulut.

Bulut’s career faced a turning point in 2015 when the IAAF discovered abnormalities in her samples from 2011, 2012, and 2015, leading to a demand for her defense. Following these investigations, her medals from the 2012 Olympic Games and the 2012 European Athletics Championships were revoked.

Reflecting on this challenging period, Bulut said, “The penalty was imposed after my samples from three years ago were re-examined. It was a very difficult time both psychologically and physically. My biggest supporters were my family and children, who helped me through this period.”

“They Didn’t Stand Behind Us”

Bulut also highlighted the harsh attitudes of people during this time, feeling that they were unjustly treated. “Nine other athletes were caught in the race we competed in. I’m not proud of it, but no one stood behind us. In world athletics, athletes involved in doping didn’t even receive penalties, which hurt me a lot. My samples didn’t contain banned substances, but there were discrepancies.”

She recounted how 60 vials of banned substances were found in the room of Genzebe Dibaba’s coach in 2015, yet only the coach was penalized while the athlete continued under supervision. “I was given a four-year ban. What was my crime? They didn’t stand by me. I strive to represent my country in the best way possible. We made history, and I am proud of myself. All the emotions I experienced were real. I no longer care as much about people’s opinions and live focused on my work.”

Future Goals and Training Programs

At the Balkan Senior National Team Trials held in Izmir on May 18, 2024, Bulut finished second in the 800 meters. She announced that she would compete in her main event, the 1500 meters, on May 19, emphasizing that her goal during this intense period was the Paris Olympics. Since April, she has competed every weekend, noting that her training and competitions are very intense this year due to it being an Olympic year.

Bulut cited Romanian athlete Gabriela Szabo as her greatest inspiration, wanting to emulate her. After becoming a mother, her children became her primary motivation. “Their support and presence give me great strength,” she said.

Describing her training regimen for becoming an Olympic champion, Bulut highlighted the difficulties and sacrifices involved: “In 2012, at the age of 20, I was away from my family for six months, training morning and evening seven days a week. There were times I couldn’t sleep from exhaustion. But the disciplined work and resilience against stress paid off with an Olympic medal.” She recalled the unforgettable moment of taking a lap with the Turkish flag after winning the medal at the 2012 London Olympics, with 80,000 people applauding and Turkish spectators embracing her with pride.

Sports Culture and Infrastructure in Europe

Sharing her thoughts on the athletics culture and infrastructure in Europe, Bulut noted that sports are seen as a culture there, and children are encouraged to love athletics through games. Recalling a competition she participated in in Germany, she said, “It was a race with very important athletes. Even children had raced in such a high-quality competition. The stands were packed, and the organizers supported the children. Running in such an atmosphere was very enjoyable. We have similar organizations in our country, but very few.” She also mentioned the ease of training in Europe.

“Athletes’ Future Concerns Should Be Reduced”

To increase the success of Turkish athletes in Europe, Bulut suggested reducing their future concerns and financial issues. “There are athletes in Turkey who quit sports because they can’t afford sports equipment. We should see sports as a profession, and the scholarships provided by the government for athletes are insufficient,” she said. She emphasized the need to increase sports facilities in Turkey, adding, “Athletes’ future concerns should be reduced. European athletes experience these processes more comfortably, and it should be the same for us.”

Bulut aims to compete in the “Diamond League” in the future, a competition she has always wanted to participate in. “I hope to race there before ending my career,” she said. Advising young athletes, Bulut encouraged them to believe in themselves, not to give up on their dreams, and to keep working hard.

Gamze Bulut showcases the rise of an athlete and the challenges she has faced. Representing Turkey on the international stage, Bulut continues her journey with unwavering passion despite all obstacles, emerging as a figure who looks to the future with hope and inspires young athletes.