Mert Can Akarsu, who reached a world championship in kickboxing in Konya after starting the sport to lose weight, is preparing to turn a new page in his career. The 18-year-old national athlete from Selçuklu Belediyespor Club won a gold medal in the 86 kg Full Contact category at the World Youth Kickboxing Championship held in Italy.
Following his success in the youth category, Akarsu aims to move up to the senior category in 2027 and repeat the same success at that level. The national athlete stated that he will continue his training for the Turkish championship, the World Cup, and the world championship.
"I NEVER GAVE UP"
Stating that he has been involved in kickboxing for about 8 years, Akarsu explained that he has achieved 2 Turkish runner-up titles, 3 Turkish championships, and 1 World Cup runner-up title during this process. Expressing that his reason for starting the sport was to lose weight, the young athlete said he never thought he would achieve such great success at that time.
Akarsu said, "I started this sport at a very young age to lose weight. I was a slightly overweight child, and because of that, everyone was making fun of me. When I first started the sport, I never thought I would come this far or achieve such great success. However, I worked hard, persevered, and never gave up."
Emphasizing that his club, coaches, dietitian, and physiotherapist played an important role in his success, Akarsu said they went through an intense preparation period. The young athlete stated that they have a high-level training environment thanks to the facilities provided to him and thanked those who supported him.
Calling out to those who want to do sports, Akarsu said that age is not an obstacle to starting sports. He stated that while kickboxing might look tough from the outside, the sport embodies discipline, brotherhood, and sportsmanship.
HIS COACH EXPLAINS THE GOAL
Selçuklu Belediyespor and National Team Kickboxing Coach Mevlüt Aker stated that Akarsu joined the national team as the Turkish champion in the 86 kg category in his final year in the youth category. Aker reported that the national athlete eliminated his opponents to reach the final in the championship held in Italy between September 18-27, and became the world champion by defeating his Greek opponent in the final.
Aker said that they went through a difficult preparation process before the tournament, and Akarsu had to struggle with losing weight and some injuries. Stating that they implemented a planned program despite this, Aker expressed that the young athlete achieved a significant success on behalf of the national team and the Turkish flag.
Stating that their next goal is to prepare Akarsu for the senior category in 2027, Aker said that there might be a change in his weight category as well. Aker noted that the athlete's physical development is continuing and that it is planned for him to compete in a heavier weight class with the right program.
Aker summarized the new goal with the words, "Our goal is to ensure he achieves the same success in the senior category and wins the world championship."
News Source: 12punto
