Turkish para-swimmer Defne Kurt wins European title

Defne Kurt became European champion in the women’s 50-meter freestyle S10 final, but the Turkish para-swimmer said the gold medal did not fully satisfy her because she had been aiming for the world record.

Kurt won the race in 27.45 seconds at the Olympic Swimming Pool in Gebze, in Kocaeli province, where the 2026 European Para Swimming Championships are being held.

Speaking after the race, Kurt said, “I will break the record at the next World Championships or Olympic Games. First place came, all right, but my goal was the world record. That is why I could not feel completely happy.”

She also expressed the hope that everyone who had worked hard would achieve successes like hers. Türkiye ended the day with one gold and one silver medal, after Umut Ünlü finished second in the men’s 50-meter breaststroke SB2 final. The championships will end on Saturday.

“

I will break the record at the next World Championships or Olympic Games. First place came, all right, but my goal was the world record. That is why I could not feel completely happy.