Please, tell us about yourself?

– My name is Oguzhan Kocak, I am 21 years old (20.08.1996 Istanbul). I live in Kocaeli. I am studying Duzce Sports Science Academy to become Pyshical Education Teacher.

Why armwrestling?

– It is because of my father who is the European Champion in masters category. He inspired me and helped me to become a Senior World Champion armwrestler and hopefully I will become even a better armwrestler with time.

 What are your greatest successes?

–  I have won senior World and European titles in 2016 over my good friend and great opponent Zurab Tavberidze. I have also won bronze medals in 2015 WAF and EAC in 2015 after the legendary Khadzimurat Zoloev and Zurab Tavberidze. Other than these, I have won Worlds in U18 category and Worlds and Europeans in U21 category.

  What are your future plans?

– First of all I am competing the Europeans in Katowice this month in 85kg category. My toughest opponent will be Khadzimurat Zoloev who is a Legend. As far as I know in his category he lost only once in Europeans since 2002. I have nothing but respect for him but I will do my best against him. Winning Europeans or Worlds is one thing but winning against a Legend in his best time is everything. I know he is the favorite of the class but we all need to pay the price to win.

Because of my height and genetic structure I believe that I can become a light heavyweight in the future and my goal is to become heavyweight to pull against the worlds best heavyweights in the future.

  Do you have a puller who inspires you?

– Engin Terzi inspires me as he is the only one who won Worlds in 5 different weight classes in 21 years of period (First in 1994 and last in 2015). So I take this Living Legend Engin Terzi as an example to keep our Glorious Flag at the top for such a long period of time.

 Do you plan to participate Zloty Tur?

– This year for sure I want to participate Zloty Tur (in 86kg class) as it is the most prestigious Professional event in the world for near 20 years!

Engin Terzi