Burak Yazgı, a 29-year-old athletic performance coach from İzmir, Turkey, has etched his name in the history books by setting a new Guinness World Record in the Turkish Get Up movement, a traditional weightlifting exercise. Yazgı lifted an impressive 90.97 kilograms, surpassing the previous record by nearly 11 kilograms.
This achievement not only earned Yazgı global recognition but also made history as the first Turkish athlete to hold the record for the Turkish Get Up, or Türk Kalkışı as it is known in Turkey. The former record of 80 kg was set by a Swedish athlete.
Yazgı, who trains athletes from a variety of disciplines, took on the challenge with a clear mission: to bring the record back to Türkiye. After rigorous training and preparation, Yazgı exceeded expectations, lifting 10.97 kg more than the previous record and cementing his place in the sport’s history.
The journey to this achievement was marked by meticulous planning. In order to meet Guinness World Records’ strict criteria, Yazgı ensured every detail was in place, from the setup of the environment to the presence of official witnesses. The entire attempt was recorded on video and submitted to Guinness for review.
“I was waiting for that approval email with bated breath,” Yazgı told Ihlas News Agency (IHA). “We followed every guideline to the letter, making sure everything was perfect. When I finally saw the email during a training session, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Seeing my name in the Guinness World Records is an unparalleled joy.”
The Turkish Get Up is not merely a test of brute strength, Yazgı emphasized. “Mastering this movement requires a balance of upper and lower body strength, flexibility, mobility, and stabilization,” he explained. “It’s a full-body exercise that demands exceptional control and coordination.”
As a coach to professional athletes across various sports, Yazgı believes his diverse training experience played a key role in his success. “I see sports as more than a profession—it’s a lifestyle,” he said. “My experience in different disciplines allows my body to adapt to complex, multidimensional movements like the Turkish Get Up.”
Despite his historic achievement, Yazgı has no plans to rest on his laurels. “I want to set a benchmark so high that no one dares to challenge it,” he said, reflecting his determination to push the boundaries of the record even further.
Yazgı’s journey with the Turkish Get Up began five years ago when he first successfully lifted 80 kg. However, it wasn’t until recently that he decided to focus on breaking the world record. Reflecting on his journey, he shared that the attempt was not without challenges. “I experienced unexpected stress during the attempt, which is unusual for me,” he admitted. “But in the end, it was all worth it.”
With his groundbreaking achievement, Yazgı has not only made history but also inspired athletes worldwide to push their limits in the pursuit of greatness.
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