Get to know Şevval İlayda Tarhan: A Rising Star in the Sports World
Şevval İlayda Tarhan: Turkey’s Rising Star in Sports Shooting
Şevval İlayda Tarhan, born on February 4, 2000 in Ankara, has quickly risen through the ranks in the world of sports shooting, particularly in the 10-meter air pistol competition. Tarhan has not only set national and European youth records but has also made a mark on the international stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Tarhan’s journey into sports shooting began with the encouragement of his mother. Despite having no family background in the sport, Tarhan developed a passion for firearms and uniforms in his childhood, dreaming of becoming a police officer or a soldier.
Since 2015, Tarhan has been competing in the 10-meter air pistol branch and is a member of the Ankara Ottoman Shooting Club. His talent was on full display at the 2018 ISSF World Shooting Championship in Changwon, South Korea, where he set a new national youth record and clinched the gold medal in the youth category.
In subsequent competitions, Tarhan continued to shine, breaking records and winning medals. At the 2019 European 10 M Activities Championship in Osijek, Croatia, he set a new European Youth Record and secured a gold medal in the youth category. He also won the Gold Medal at the 2019 ISSF Gencler World Cup.
One of Tarhan’s notable achievements was winning Turkey’s first Olympic medal in the 10-meter air pistol branch at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Alongside Yusuf Dikç, Tarhan claimed the silver medal in the mixed team competition, marking a historic moment for Turkish sports shooting.
With an impressive track record and a promising future ahead, Şevval İlayda Tarhan continues to inspire and make Turkey proud on the international stage of sports shooting.
