After a distinguished competitive career that included representing Türkiye on the national team and earning medals at both the national and European levels, Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) graduate Doğan Demir is now dedicating his experience to developing the next generation of taekwondo athletes in Samsun.

Demir, who graduated last week from the Yaşar Doğu Faculty of Sports Sciences, began practicing taekwondo at the age of eight after being discovered by a coach during primary school. Over the following 17 years, he built a successful competitive career, becoming a Turkish champion, winning a bronze medal at the European Championships, and representing Türkiye in international competitions as a member of the national team. Six years ago, he transitioned into coaching.

“My goal is to help children discover the joy of sport”

Currently serving as a taekwondo coach at İlkadım Municipality, Demir says his primary mission is to inspire young people to embrace sport and build successful athletic careers.

“I discovered taekwondo while I was in the third grade of primary school after a coach recognized my potential. Over the next 17 years, I pursued the sport with determination and passion, achieving success at both national and international levels. For the past six years, I have been coaching, passing my experience on to younger generations. My goal is to keep children away from harmful habits, help them develop a love for sport, and support them in building strong sporting careers.”

“Family support is one of the most important factors”

According to Demir, athletic success is built not only on talent but also on discipline, character, and family support.

“As athletes become more successful, their character is also tested. For us, a true athlete is someone who demonstrates discipline, integrity, and serves as a role model before achieving medals. Sometimes it takes years to recognize a future champion, while in other cases you can see the potential from a child's very first kick or how quickly they understand instructions. Although each athlete develops differently depending on age and physical characteristics, one of the most critical factors is family support. Encouragement from families motivates both the athlete and the coach, whereas excessive pressure,particularly regarding issues such as weight management, can negatively affect development. Healthy communication with families is essential for long-term success.”

“Coaching is about building character, not just winning matches”

Demir believes coaching extends far beyond technical training and competition.

“Young people involved in sports consistently achieve positive outcomes in life, and I strive to be a good role model for them. We compete in tournaments across Türkiye and Europe, following an intensive six-day-a-week training program focused on conditioning, technique, and tactics. I adapt these schedules according to my athletes' school commitments and weather conditions. Without discipline, lasting motivation is impossible. I can help an athlete recover after defeat, but without discipline, sustained success cannot be achieved. For me, sport is about much more than standing on the podium. Medals are only decorations. My real goal is to guide my athletes with the care of an older brother and help them become individuals who represent themselves and their communities with pride. Coaching is not simply about winning competitions, it is the art of shaping character through discipline and strong moral values.”

Developing International-Level Athletes

Demir has already guided numerous young athletes to success at regional, national, and international competitions.

“In addition to winning provincial championships in Samsun, we have achieved significant success nationally and internationally. Among 172 competing clubs, our athletes have produced outstanding results. Kardelen Demir became the Senior Turkish Champion, Ali Eren Eroğuz won the 37 kg title at the International Tournament in North Macedonia, while Betül Şahin and Melek Eren earned third-place finishes at international tournaments and secured second and third places at the Turkish Stars Championships. I take great pride in seeing our athletes represent Türkiye on the world and European stage, and our next goal is to crown these achievements at the upcoming European Championships in North Macedonia.”