IUE student Cavit gets a medal from France

Onur Cavit Biriz, a national surfer and student of Izmir University of Economics (IUE), won the silver medal for our country by placing second in the Hyeres Medal Races held in France. Biriz, competing in the 'IQ Foil' category with 21 athletes from different countries, added a new medal to his collection, leaving behind many ambitious competitors with international medals.

Onur Cavit Biriz (25), who has been interested in water sports since childhood and has a passion for sea, started windsurfing at the sage of 9. Biriz, who first took lessons from private trainers, then developed himself rapidly in a short time by being enrolled in a private club.

CONSECUTIVE ACHIEVEMENTS

Biriz, who strictly follows the training and meal schedule, works 6-7 hours a day, got selected to the Turkish National Team at the age of 14. Biriz came in first place in 2015 and 2016 in the youth category, and then in general category for three consecutive years.

STUDYING BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Having achieved a series that is hard to reach and collecting medals and trophies one by one, Biriz also realized his goal of participating in the Olympics, which was his biggest dream. Biriz took great pride in representing our country in the Olympics held in Tokyo, Japan. Continuing his education at Izmir University of Economics, Department of Business Administration, Biriz achieved yet another accomplishment in surfing and returned from France with a silver medal.

I KEEP MYSELF READY

Stating that he has been continuing windsurfing for 16 years, Biriz said that getting the medal was a great pride and happiness for him. Biriz said, “Every event, every competition where I represent my country is very important to me. My goal is to always do my best, to keep myself ready. Surfing, of course, is not an easy sport. You have to be strong, pay close attention to your diet and life, and follow a certain plan. The way to success is to work hard and trust yourself in surfing, as in any job. This is what I'm doing. I love surfing. You can't excel in a job that you don't like or enjoy. While working, I focus on new achievements and medals that I aim to achieve. This is how I get motivated.”

THE GOAL NEVER ENDS

Biriz continued as follows: “On my way to France, I felt very good, I was ready. I was very confident that I would get the medal. That's what happened. There were 21 athletes in my category, all of them successful. Reaching second place in such a race was a morale booster for me. The Olympics is every athlete's biggest dream. I achieved this by participating in the Olympics, but the goal never ends, it should not. I want to represent my country more in the international arena and increase my medals. My university always supports me in carrying out my sports life and my lessons together. I would like to thank everyone who believes in me.”

WE ARE VERY ASSERTIVE IN WATER SPORTS

Stating that as a university in Izmir, it is very meaningful to take part in water sports, IUE Sports Coordinator Murat Palalı said, “As a university, we encourage our students to develop themselves in the field of sports as well as receive a qualified education. Sports push young people to live a healthy life, to be planned and disciplined. In this way, sports contribute significantly to the academic success of the student. As a university, we are always with our students. We are very assertive in water sports. We will continue our efforts to be a pioneer in this regard and offer opportunities for our students. We aim to represent Izmir in the best way in water sports. Cavit is an exemplary student whose achievements we are proud of. He sets an example to other students with his experiences. He brought joy to our university by receiving a medal from France. I congratulate him and wish him continued success.”