Twelve-year-old Medine Ocak, a young survivor of the devastating earthquakes that struck Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, has shown remarkable resilience in the face of tragedy. Having lost both of her legs and her father in the natural disaster, Medine has found a new passion in swimming, which she began while receiving treatment in Kayseri.
Despite the challenges posed by her prosthetic legs, she travels an hour and a half every day for swimming lessons, dedicating six days a week to the sport. Medine’s determination shines through as she expresses her goal of competing in the 2028 Olympic Games and winning a medal, which she hopes to dedicate to her late father.
Recalling the harrowing events of that fateful day, Medine remembers how her father heroically tried to protect them during the 7.7 magnitude earthquake. Trapped under the rubble of their collapsing building along with her siblings, her family faced an agonizing wait of approximately 13 hours before being rescued by relatives. However, their father’s lifeless body was recovered five days later, intensifying the family’s heartbreak.
Since her rescue, Medine has undergone extensive treatment, culminating in the amputation of her legs to ensure she can move forward with her life. Now, she is appealing to the authorities for new prosthetic legs that would allow her to run and pursue her athletic aspirations more freely.
Medine Ocak’s story is not only one of loss and survival but also of hope and determination, inspiring many as she strives to transform her life’s challenges into triumphs through the power of sport.