Aysel Önder Becomes World Champion with European Record
Turkish athlete Aysel Önder achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the European record and winning gold at the Virtus World Indoor Athletics Championships in Spain.
Aysel Önder, a distinguished athlete representing Turkey, made headlines by breaking the European record in the T20 category during the 200-meter race at the Virtus World Indoor Athletics Championships held in Ourense, Spain. Her impressive time of 24.87 seconds not only secured her a gold medal but also crowned her as the world champion in her category.
The event, which took place on March 8, 2026, marked a significant achievement for Önder, who has been a prominent figure in athletics for individuals with disabilities. Her victory was celebrated by the Turkish Special Sports Federation, which expressed immense pride in her accomplishment.
Birol Aydın, the president of the Turkish Special Sports Federation, praised Önder's achievement, stating, "This world championship title, accompanied by a European record, is a source of indescribable pride for us. We also congratulate her coach, Damla Tan, for their invaluable contribution to this success. We believe that our special athletes will continue to achieve remarkable feats in the future."
In addition to Önder's success, other Turkish athletes also shone at the championship. Reyhan Taşdelen earned a silver medal in the T20 long jump with a leap of 5.19 meters, while Fatma Damla Altın secured a bronze medal with a jump of 5.15 meters, showcasing the talent and determination of Turkish athletes on the international stage.
This championship not only highlighted individual achievements but also underscored the growing recognition and support for athletes with disabilities in Turkey and around the world.