World Gymnastics Championships 2023: Türkiye gymnast Adem Asil on the lifechanging decisions in his quest for greatness

Hard work pays off for Adem Asil

This remodelled gymnast had plans – big plans – and worked exceptionally hard to achieve them.

“I think I’m not that talented, but I work very hard,” revealed Asil. “I think I work smartly as well because sometimes I know my teammates are working so hard and they push us so much, but I always become smart, and I always listen to my body.”

Being talented yet wasteful is pointless, says Asil. “I believe that if you are talented and you are not working hard, it’s nothing. But if you are not talented and you are really working so hard and you really want it, you will be something very important. That’s the gymnast I am, that’s why I changed my country.”

His hard work is increasingly paying off, enabling him to secure all-around gold at the European Championships ahead of GB rising star Jake Jarman.

“I haven’t been in that situation before actually,” Asil said post competition. “But I just believed in my work because I really worked so much for this moment and I just told myself, come on, let’s do it. It’s just one more (routine) to go. And, yeah, I did my best. And when I came down, you saw my scream and I couldn’t believe it. Just a dream came true. And it’s a historical medal for me and for Türkiye as well.”

Even more thrilling was his teammates hoisting him in the air in celebration, the crowd cheering and singing in celebration, in acknowledgement of his history-making moment for the Türkiye team.

That family-like atmosphere helps Asil cope with the sacrifices made in his quest for greatness.

“I just want to remember the support from my colleagues, from my teammates, from the country that accepted me to be one of them,” said Asil after winning the European title. “And of course, for my family, because they supported me so much. I haven’t seen my family for like five years.”

When asked if he felt more Turkish or Egyptian, Asil said: “It’s very difficult because (Egypt) is also my country. I have been in Egypt for a long time and all my friends, my school, my family are there, but the country that supported me and really believed in me is Türkiye.

“So I accept myself as Turkish more than as an Egyptian in gymnastics but in life, of course, Egypt is really so close to my heart because it’s my childhood country.”

That melding of nationalities becomes clear in what Asil says next.

“My team-mates call me Abdel; the Adem is just for gymnastics.”