Para Sailor Spotlight - Q&A with Miray Ulaş

At just 23 years old, Miray Ulaş has already achieved remarkable things and is a sports fanatic through and through. At just ten years old, she was involved in a variety of sports, from ballet to basketball and swimming. Since then she has gone on to win an astounding 60 medals in various National Championships and gained a degree in Sports Management.

With her focus now on Para Sailing and Para Triathlon, Miray continues to train hard and show success in her sport. Not only is she the first female Para Triathlete in Turkey, she is also the first Para Sailing medalist in the country after securing bronze at the Hansa World Championships in Palermo last year (just one day after the Triathlon World Cup too!)

Find out more about Miray below:

Name: Miray ULAŞ
Age: 23
From: Turkey
Class: Hansa303

You obviously love sport Miray! Tell us, how did you get into sailing and why?

I am a former swimmer and liked participating in open water swimming competitions. The sea has always had a special place in my heart. I had always wanted to try sailing and when I found out that there were 2.4m boats in my home town, I gave it a try! I loved it and realised that when I am afloat, I feel stronger and more independent.

Why do you think Para Sailing is unique? What makes it so special?

During a race, you are all by yourself. You are making your own decisions and steering your boat on the open seas. That is a unique feeling and I think that’s what makes sailing so special.

What do you consider to be your biggest achievement so far?

In October 2021, I participated in the International Hansa Class Association World Championships 2021 in Palermo just one day after I had participated in the Para Triathlon World Cup and managed to return home as a medalist. Representing my country in two different sports and becoming a world medalist is a very special and proud experience.

What is your biggest strength?

I learned long ago that no matter what happens, I should never give up so I believe never quitting is my biggest strength.

Who has been your biggest supporter?

My family, my coaches and my friends. They are all my biggest supporters. İ am so lucky to have them!

You are also a Para National Triathlete. How do you fit all the training in for triathlon and sailing?

I go to national training camps for sailing and for triathlon I train twice a day.

What does the season ahead look like for you?

In October, I will be competing in the Para Triathlon World Cup. İ need good results here to be able to participate in the 2024 Paralympic Games. I will also keep training for European and World Championship sailing events. My goal is gold medals!

What would it mean to you if sailing was re-established as a Paralympic Sport?

Throughout my sporting life, competing in the Paralympic Games has been my greatest dream. Knowing that I may never get the chance is heartbreaking for me. Para Sailing is a very sophisticated and challenging sport and deserves to be in the Paralympic Games. I believe every Para Sailor feels the same and that we should get the opportunity to represent our country in this incredible sport.