Levin’s passion for sports started at a very early age. He has always been very active and started swimming when he was just a baby. By the age of five, he was playing tennis 3 times a week and won his first gold medal in skiing. During summer vacations, while other children were playing on the beach, his dream was to sail out into the deep waters. Levin was able to sail an optimist (sailing boat) at the young age of six. He spent hours at sea practicing, with the goal of getting all his certifications, until he finally had the chance to sail with the Turkish race team.

In 2015, Levin and his family moved from Istanbul to Dubai. Levin is a spatial visual learner thus the IB curriculum at SISD is the perfect fit for him. During his first year in Dubai, Levin was only swimming once a week with a private teacher at his community pool. In 2016, he joined the SISD Swim Squad and started a proper swimming program. His level improved very quickly. In October 2017, he took part in his first Swim Gala in Abu Dhabi. A year later, in Spring 2018, he earned his first gold medal. Since then, many more followed.

Today, Levin is 9 years old and his accomplishments are adding up. He holds a green-black belt in Taekwondo, plays tennis, and swims 4 times a week with Speedo Swim Squads. It can seem challenging to manage swimming, Taekwondo and tennis training all in one week, but Levin is a committed boy; he never skips a training session and simply enjoys being active. He always sets his own goals and is very persistent in achieving them.

Levin goes to bed early. Rest is very important to him. He eats a healthy diet and sometimes he has to miss out on things because he is training or competing.

Levin’s mother considers that her child’s choice to do sports and be competitive is a precious gift.

“I personally try to educate myself, support but also protect Levin at this early age from too much pressure. After all, it is his passion and persistence that are driving his success. Levin is still very young and a lot of talented kids stop swimming in their teenage years. I hope Levin keeps this passion and love for sports his entire life. Encouragement and motivation don’t mean you have to tell them they are the best, I always try to give constructive criticism. A competitive child always wants to win; I believe it is important to help them accept failure and show them how to focus on what and how they can improve to be better. Having a child who gives their best effort is worth more than any medal.

I believe sports teaches values that will help in the future, such as integrity, discipline, humility, and courage. To see children at that young age who can shake hands before a race with their competitor is already an achievement!”

Simply put, I try to be a cool, supportive parent that an athletic child is proud to have. I believe good communication between coach and swimmer, but also the parents is key for successful and healthy development. The support of his classroom teachers and especially of the Head of PE Team, Mr. Robert Duncan at SISD is priceless.”