Born in Ankara on July 29, 1982, Naz Arıcı might appear to be an unlikely champion in the glamorous and grueling world of figure skating. Originally trained as an electrical and electronics engineer, her destiny had other plans, and the story that follows is nothing short of remarkable.
Arıcı's journey into the world of figure skating started late, at the age of 29. Many would say that's too late to start a career in a sport so demanding, where athletes typically begin their training as young children. But Arıcı shattered those assumptions, not only starting at an older age but excelling beyond anyone's expectations.
Her belief that age shouldn't limit anyone is evident in her own words:
'If you had asked me before 2015 about the right age to learn artistic ice skating, I would have said it must have a specific age. But now, having started this sport at 29 and achieved my first adult world championship at 32, I've shattered this belief. Age doesn't matter. What's important is the willingness to work and improve oneself. Education is 90% more important than talent.'
2015 marked a turning point in Arıcı's career. She won the ISU International Adult Figure Skating Competition in Germany, competing against 35 athletes from around the world, including countries like the USA, Russia, Italy, France, Canada, and more. It was a victory that catalyzed the opening of the adult category in Turkey.
In the following years, Arıcı's success story continued to unfold. She won first place in two competitions in Germany and Canada in 2016 and set a record score for first place in Germany in 2017. Her achievements didn't stop there, with more medals in Canada in 2018 and an international competition in Slovenia in 2019.
Naz Arıcı's story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. It defies the stereotypes surrounding age and proves that with enough determination and hard work, anything is possible. The 'Golden Swan' of the ice rink has not only made her country proud but also become a symbol of hope and empowerment for countless others.
Her life's motto could very well be her own words:
'Yeter ki çalışmaya ve kendinizi geliştirmeye istekli biri olun.'
'All that matters is that you are willing to work and improve yourself.'
Naz Arıcı, the electrical engineer turned figure skating champion, continues to glide across the ice, leaving behind a trail of golden achievements and inspiring a new generation to pursue their dreams, no matter the odds. Her story is a shining example of triumph, transformation, and the human spirit's incredible power.