FAU Sophomore swimmer Eren Onorlu flew back for a two-week stay in his home nation of Turkey to compete in the country’s National Competition in Instanbul for Olympic qualification. He finished first in the 50 and 100 freestyle, 50 butterfly, and 4 X 100 intermediate medley.

This performance will propel him in to an off-season competition series including World University Games, The Mediterranean Games, The Turkish Summer Nationals, and World Championships. I decided to have a conversation with Onorlu about his experience and swimming in general.

While he apologized for not being able to express himself as much as he would like in the English language, there was no reason to.

Onorlu’s energy is contagious and his commitment to his sport is impressive.

Pump: So you looking to qualify for the Olympics in 2008?Onorlu: I’m gonna get there. I had a really bad year last year but I’m back swimming strong.Pump: Is swimming a big sport in Turkey compared to the U.S.?Onorlu: It’s bigger in the US. It’s much more professional here. So much more opportunity, and naturally, more competition.Pump: Did your family come out to the Nationals to support you?Onorlu: Yes, I was there for two weeks and the Nationals was only the last four days. So they came out and watched me and videotaped me.Pump: Can you sing me the first few lines of the Turkish National Anthem?Onorlu: Do I have to sing it?Pump: Well, just say it.Onorlu: In Turkish?Pump: Yeah, then translate.Onorlu: Alright. (He sings the first lines in his native tongue.) It basically means “The national spirit will always be lightened and never be extinguished.Pump: You swim in the ocean or just in the pool?Onorlu: No ocean. I’m a sprinter, so I’m not good in the distance events. Besides, I’m scared of the ocean, so I stick to the pool.Pump: How did you do for FAU this last season?Onorlu: In the Conference championship I won three golds with the relay team, one gold and two bronze in individual events. I swam really well in all our dual meets and I broke the University record in the 200-medley relay. The coaches really supported me.Pump: Particular brand of swimwear you like?Onorlu: FAU sponsors Nike, but I like ArenAlright,

Onorlu wanted to be sure that his appreciation to the FAU Swimming staff be expressed. Onorlu had a rough year last year at UF, but FAU gave him a chance and took some risks. Onorlu is intensely honored to give it back with victories and accomplishments.