The little athlete was told "You're too young" and they didn't give her the medal.

The little athlete was told

28.10.2024 10:00

The award for 10-year-old licensed athlete Öykü Zeynep Çankaya, who competed in the marathon in Kaş, Antalya, was not given on the grounds of her young age. Çankaya, who paid 1200 lira for the race registration and was listed in the official race list, finished second among women in the 6-kilometer course, which had 160 participants. However, despite her name being announced during the award ceremony, she was unable to go up to the podium.

Öykü Zeynep Çankaya went to Kaş to participate in a half marathon with her parents from Bodrum, where she lives. She paid for the organization and registered.

SHE COULDN'T RECEIVE HER MEDAL

Zeynep, whose name was on the official race list, managed to finish the 6-kilometer course in second place among women, with 160 participants. However, despite her name being announced at the award ceremony, she could not go up to the podium.

According to a report in Sözcü, Zeynep's family and her coach Fatma Özkan spoke with the race organizer Polat Dede. Dede said, "She can compete, but since she is under 18, according to the regulations, we do not give medals, she cannot go up to the podium, go ahead and complain wherever you want." Mother Meryem Çankaya expressed her reaction by saying, "Instead of rewarding, they are punishing. A sportsman is not easy to raise."

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