Türkiye’s rising rowing star Cevdet Ege Mutlu has achieved another historic milestone, winning gold in the Men’s Single Sculls (1x) A Final at the U23 World Rowing Championships in Poznan, Poland. Crossing the finish line with a time of 06:51.74, Mutlu secured the world title just one year after becoming European champion in 2024 — cementing his position among the sport’s brightest young athletes.
Speaking to Demirören News Agency after his victory, the national rower shared the pride, pressure, and emotional struggles that come with being at the top of his sport. For Mutlu, the greatest challenge is not just reaching the peak, but staying there.
“It’s Not About Becoming Champion, It’s About Remaining One”
Mutlu admitted that his achievements have brought an even heavier sense of responsibility.
“Winning the championship and then building on it carries a much bigger responsibility. The important thing isn’t just becoming a champion — it’s remaining one. Honestly, I never thought I could come this far. That’s why it’s such an emotional journey for me. After every race, I feel a bit more pressure, a bit more responsibility, and realize there is so much more work to be done. It’s a beautiful feeling, but it also comes with constant uncertainty,” he explained.
From the Water to the Shore — Where the Real Challenge Lies
While Mutlu feels confident and in control during competition, he revealed that the emotional toll often comes after leaving the water.
“In the boat, I always know where I am and what I need to do. But on land, it’s harder. Pretending to be tough or unaffected is difficult. Many evenings I found myself feeling deeply emotional and exhausted. I would think about how to be ready for the next day,” he said, noting that these moments have strengthened him mentally and shaped his identity as an athlete.
A Journey Sparked by His Father
Mutlu began rowing in 2018, encouraged by his father to build confidence and discipline.
“My dad wanted me to gain self-confidence and resilience, so he pushed me to try sports. At first, it was just to see if I liked it. Two years later, I realized how much I loved rowing — and I’ve been committed ever since,” he recalled.
Pride in Representing Türkiye
Becoming a national sporting figure still feels surreal to Mutlu, who says he tries to stay present in the moment.
“My perception of myself has changed a little. I’m still surprised by what I’ve achieved. I don’t think I fully understand it yet — I just try to live in the moment. Being seen as a national treasure is a huge honor, but I still can’t quite believe what I’ve done,” he said.
Rowing in Türkiye — A Sport on the Rise
Mutlu acknowledged that rowing is still developing in Türkiye, though the country is making notable progress on the world stage.
“Rowing is traditionally popular in Europe, especially in countries like the UK, New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, and across the Balkans. Romania, for example, won medals in almost every category last year. Our coach is a former Romanian national team coach. In Türkiye, we’ve only been reaching podiums for the last 10–15 years, so in that sense we’re still new. But we’re lucky to be part of this rising period,” he said.
He also highlighted the growing popularity of coastal rowing, a newer discipline globally but one in which Türkiye is emerging as a leader. “In coastal rowing, we have many boats and have been hosting races in Türkiye for the past two years, which helps promote the sport.”
Patience and Persistence — Keys to Success
For Mutlu, the most important lesson in his career has been patience.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is patience. I gave my all, I put in the work, and it happened. If you give the sport what it deserves, it gives back,” he said.
Mutlu’s U23 world title not only adds to his growing list of accolades but also signals Türkiye’s increasing presence in international rowing. As he continues to train and compete, his journey embodies the discipline, resilience, and ambition required to remain at the top in a demanding sport.
