When Elif Gokkir beat 2023 World Archery Champion Marie Horackova at the season-opening European Grand Prix Spring Arrows last month, it felt like a subtle shift. They may have been the top two seeds, but it finally seemed like Gokkir’s moment to shine.
Still only 19, the victory reflected an attitude that belied her years.
“Of course, it has a positive impact,” said Gokkir. “It is very important both in terms of experience and self-confidence. At the same time, it shows me how right our training process is and how close I am to my dreams.”
She also won mixed team gold with Berkay Akkoyun.
“Standing on that podium in our own country, in front of our home crowd, is an indescribable feeling,” she added. “Hearing our national anthem at home makes that moment even more meaningful.”
Perhaps more importantly, it followed a strong showing at the opening stage of the 2026 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Puebla, where Gokkir helped secure team silver and mixed team bronze, and comes ahead of another major tournament in Antalya later this year.
“These medals motivated me ahead of the European Outdoor Championships. Our expectations are high, but this does not create pressure; on the contrary, I see it as a great advantage for us. No one knows this field better than we do. We spend most of the year here. As a team, I believe we will have a very successful Europeans.”
Gokkir has been a star in the making for some time and came close last season, too.
