This week we interviewed yet another of Bilkent’s varsity athletes. This time it’s Umut Müdüroğlu (IE/IV), the captain of the men’s swim team. Umut, who hails from Bursa, has been swimming for 15 years and has been on the team since last year.
How did you become interested in swimming?
My father likes the sea and swimming. He was the one who got me to swim when I was a kid. When a person starts doing something from childhood, his interest in the activity develops naturally.
What are your biggest achievements in the sport?
When I was a kid, I finished second in an individual race and first in a relay at a championship meet in Bursa. As a member of the Bilkent team, I participated in last year’s university championship meet in Isparta, but we didn’t win.
That’s probably because the team was young?
Yes. Good results come with experience. Actually, getting the team better established is one of our principal goals this year.
What are your other goals for this season?
We have a big ambition—to be in the top 10 in Turkey. Each team member has set individual goals and is working to achieve them.
What is the average number of hours you commit to training?
Formal training takes up four hours per week. Besides training, we [team members] come to the swimming pool when it’s open and do some extra training.
Do you do bonding activities with the team?
Yes. We eat out frequently. Also, we participate in [non-varsity] individual competitions together.
Any comments on the coaching staff?
I’m very satisfied with [team coach] Onur Hoca. He dedicates a lot of time to us, even outside training hours. I didn’t expect that at the beginning. We can always come to him with questions and he will help us individually. He’s a great person.