Categories: National

Turkey’s Legendary Weightlifter Suleymanoglu Dies at Age 50

Naim Suleymanoglu, by all standards, was a legendary athlete in Turkey’s sports history. The weightlifter broke all records during his prime time, became a champion in three consecutive Olympic Games in the 1990s, a success that was a testimony to the feat of his remarkable achievements.

He was called ‘Hercules,’ he was short, but his stature among the Turkish youth was beyond imagination. That legend died on Saturday at the age of 50.

After years of heavy drinking, Mr. Suleymanoglu suffered a liver problem; he was desperately looking for a donor for a liver transplant. He underwent a liver transplant surgery on Oct. 6, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.

Although initial signs of recovery reinvigorated hopes of doctors for a healthy comeback, his health steadily went worse. He was recently placed in the emergency care unit.

The end came on Saturday. A legendary figure who left his mark on Turkey’s otherwise poor record in Olympic Games passed away.

Abdullah Ayasun

Share
Published by
Abdullah Ayasun
Tags: Naim SuleymanogluOlympic GamesWeightlifter

Recent Posts

  • National

Turkey Reports Death of Fmr. Army Commander from Coronavirus, Pledges to Step Up Testing

Turkey hopes to step up coronavirus testing to reach up to 15,000 people per day, the health minister told the parliament…

4 years ago
  • Economy
  • National

Turkey Reports Second Coronavirus Death, Announces $15BN Aid Package for Economy

Turkey on Wednesday reported its second coronavirus fatality, as the number of confirmed cases rose to 191. President Recep Tayyip…

4 years ago
  • Foreign Affairs
  • International

Turkey Cuts Flights with Nine European Countries over Coronavirus

Turkey will halt flights with nine European countries, including France, Germany and Spain, the transport minister said Friday, as part…

4 years ago
  • National

Turkey Announces First Confirmed Coronavirus Case

Turkey announced Wednesday its first coronavirus case, a man who had recently travelled to Europe and is in good health.

4 years ago
  • Foreign Affairs
  • International

Hundreds Head Towards Europe Border After Turkey ‘Opens Gates’

Hundreds of migrants in Turkey were heading towards border regions with Europe, local media reported Friday, after Turkish authorities decided…

4 years ago
  • Foreign Affairs
  • International

33 Turkish Soldiers Killed in Syria’s Idlib

At least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed as violence escalates in Syria's Idlib province after an air strike blamed on…

4 years ago