Just over a decade ago, Yusuf Goktug Ergin was a recurve archer representing Turkey in international competitions. He made his debut in 2005 at the European Grand Prix in Bulgaria, followed by his participation in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Although his competitive career did not bring him international medals, Ergin found his true calling in management and coaching, transforming Turkish archery from his position as head coach.

In 2016, Ergin took the helm of the Turkish national team. The country had never won an Olympic medal in archery, and its last success in a world championship dated back to 1997. Under Ergin’s leadership, Turkey reached a completely new level, achieving an Olympic gold with Mete Gazoz in Tokyo 2020 and three podium finishes in world championships. These include the mixed team bronze in Yankton 2021, Gazoz’s individual gold in Berlin 2023, and the men’s team silver, also in Berlin.

[Follow SportsIn on Instagram for more stories!]

Ergin attributes this success to the implementation of a scientific foundation in training. Upon taking over, he found a complicated situation: many of the top archers were nearing the end of their careers, and there was no new generation ready to step up. To reverse this trend, he decided to focus on young talents, including key figures such as Mete Gazoz and Yasemin Anagoz. At the same time, he completely reformed the system and culture of archery in the country, introducing longer and more rigorous training sessions.

One of the main changes Ergin implemented was the adoption of a “residential system” similar to that of Korea, where athletes spend fixed periods of the year in training centers. He also introduced a rigorous focus on strength and conditioning, something his predecessors had overlooked. Ergin understood that to be competitive internationally, archers not only had to master technique but also be in optimal physical condition.

The training routine under his leadership is intense. A typical day includes shooting up to 480 arrows, combined with strength exercises like push-ups and wall squats, totaling up to 10 hours of daily training. Every aspect of performance is carefully monitored by sports scientists, from shooting technique to the athletes’ physical and mental state.

This approach has led to a natural transformation within the team. Young talents have surpassed the veterans, and the team’s mentality is now much more competitive and performance-driven. For Ergin, success lies not only in technique but also in the ability to adapt and improve each year. Constantly reviewing training methods is key to avoiding monotony and keeping athletes motivated and prepared for international challenges.

Thanks to his vision and efforts, Yusuf Goktug Ergin has turned Turkey into an emerging powerhouse in the world of archery, positioning the country among the sport’s elite.