Gülistan Özdemir: Visually impaired athlete breaks 4 world records – A story of overcoming adversity

Gülistan Özdemir, a Turkish visually impaired powerlifter, has become a symbol of willpower by breaking four world records in the 60kg category in 2026. Born with complete blindness in her right eye and only 20% vision in her left due to corneal disease, the 36-year-old from Gaziantep fights not only opponents on the platform but also the constant pain and financial hardship. Her journey proves the saying: 'When the stands are empty, listen to the ball instead of the cheers.' But here there are no stands, no ball – only heavy breathing and repeated lifts under dim training lights. Özdemir started weight training in 2026 – much later than professional athletes. She joined Gaziantep club and quickly caught the eye of the Turkish national team. However, her path was never smooth. Besides deteriorating eyesight, she faces 'financial difficulties' that make commuting to training a struggle. Her family is her only support. 'They support me in everything,' she told reporters with a choked voice. Despite that, Özdemir’s achievements are top-class. Over nearly a decade, she has won multiple gold medals at European and World Championships for the visually impaired. 2026 was her breakout year: at a major event she set four world records – two in bench press, one in squat, one in deadlift. Those numbers are the result of nine years of relentless training, breaking every barrier. But behind these shiny medals lies a harsh reality: Özdemir is awaiting a corneal transplant after white spots on her eye developed to the point of 'no clear vision'. Doctors advise surgery when spots fully increase, a decision she hesitates over for fear of affecting competition. 'I will get stronger after surgery and continue winning medals,' she says hopefully. Yet medical risks are high: eye surgery could sideline her long-term, away from the platform where she finds purpose. From a tactical perspective, Özdemir has no personal coach or medical team. She studied sport sciences at Ankara University, earning a coaching degree to understand her own body. But it is a lonely self-reliance. While rivals in her weight class may have entire entourages, Özdemir only has family and faith in herself. What I want to emphasize is not achievement but injustice. An athlete who brought glory to Turkey with 4 world records still lacks official sponsorship. She relies on family for gas money. Compare that to football stars paid millions – Özdemir deserves much more. If sponsors and federations don’t act, we will lose a rare talent. Moreover, Özdemir’s story carries a strong message. She calls on visually impaired people to bravely participate in sports, because 'sport gives them strength and confidence.' She is proud to be 'the first visually impaired female athlete' and wants to be a role model. Imagine if Özdemir does not get the transplant, if the white spots continue spreading. She would lose the ability to maintain form. But if surgery succeeds and her vision improves, she could achieve even greater heights. The lesson: athlete health is the most precious asset, and the sports system must invest in preventive care from the start. Gülistan Özdemir’s future stands at a crucial crossroads. With plans to compete in the upcoming world championship, she needs both medical stability and financial support. That event could be a peak or an end if proper support is lacking. But regardless, she has written a story for the ages. This article is not to praise, but to warn. Every victory by Özdemir is a blow against society’s indifference to disabled sports. It is time we listen to the ball – not the round ball but the 60 kg barbell lifted by a blind woman with all her will. Numbers speak: 4 world records in one year, yet no brand sponsors. I might be wrong, but I bet this story will change perceptions – and hopefully, policies supporting disabled athletes in Turkey and worldwide. Gülistan Özdemir is more than an athlete. She is a reminder that in the world of sports, resilience remains the highest measure.