Earthquake survivor, who lost family and arm, becomes Turkish para athletics champion

Meryem Hanne Erbil, a survivor of the devastating Feb. 6, 2023, earthquakes that struck Kahramanmaraş, has emerged as a national champion in para athletics, showcasing remarkable resilience after losing her family and right arm. Erbil's home in Adıyaman was destroyed in the earthquake, claiming the lives of her parents and younger sibling. She was rescued three days later, having lost her dominant arm.

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I lost my family. My mother, my father, and my younger brother. I also lost my right arm. I went through very difficult times both psychologically and physically.

Despite the profound physical and psychological trauma, Erbil returned to her athletic pursuits. She initially resumed fencing, a sport she had practiced for 11 years prior to the disaster. Encouraged by her fencing coaches to explore other disciplines, she discovered a talent for athletics, particularly in javelin and shot put.

Last week, at the Para Athletics Turkish Championship held in Diyarbakır, Erbil competed against 69 athletes. She secured three gold medals, triumphing in the javelin throw, shot put, and the 100-meter race. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her athletic journey, demonstrating her dedication and skill.

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I am still very new, but I do it with love and believe I can succeed.

Erbil is now setting her sights on future competitions, including Olympic trial races in January and a tournament in Dubai in February. Her ultimate goal is to compete in the 2028 Olympics, with aspirations to participate in the World Championships in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in 2027. She is currently pursuing a degree in Sociology at Adıyaman University, striving to balance her demanding academic and athletic schedules.

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My first goal is the Olympic trial races that will be held in January. Then I want to participate in the tournament in Dubai in February. After that, I aim to participate in the World Championship to be held in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in 2027. Of course, I am also working to participate in the 2028 Olympics, which is the biggest dream of all athletes.

Hüseyin Elüstü, the Provincial Director of Youth and Sports in Adıyaman, praised Erbil as an exemplary athlete. "We needed exemplary students, exemplary athletes, for our youth to reintegrate into social life through sports after the earthquake," he said. "Meryem has shown herself as a role model for Adıyaman." The directorate offers support to young individuals affected by the earthquake who wish to pursue sports.

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Meryem has shown herself as a role model for Adıyaman. We, as the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, try to support all our young people who apply to us and want to do sports, who unfortunately are in a difficult situation due to the earthquake, by directing them to sports in the most suitable branches.