Interview by Valentina Prokic
Hüseyin Günel will represent Türkiye at the Euro-African Spearfishing Championship, taking place from 22 to 25 October in Bar, Montenegro. A member of the Turkish national squad since 2022, also XT Diving Team, he heads to the Adriatic with confidence and the experience of winning the team title at the 2024 Euro-African Championship in Türkiye.
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Born in 1983 and based in Köyceğiz, Muğla, Günel is an AIDA freediving instructor and an official XT Diving Pro team athlete. His diving experience spans numerous countries, including Albania, where he has explored waters that he believes could share similarities with the competition areas in Montenegro.
His greatest competitive achievement came in 2024, when he helped Türkiye become Euro-African team champions, competing on the second day as a replacement for Serhan Dağdan. In this interview with Valentina Prokic, he discusses his national team journey, his confidence in deep water and his expectations for Montenegro.
From reserve athlete to Euro-African team champion
Valentina Prokic: This will not be your first time with the Turkish national team. How many times have you represented Türkiye?
Hüseyin Günel: I have been part of the Turkish national team every year since 2022. Initially, I was a reserve, actively supporting my teammates rather than competing. In 2024, I competed for the team for the first time, and we became Euro-African team champions.
Confidence ahead of Montenegro
Valentina Prokic: How do you feel about competing at the Euro-African Championship in Montenegro and challenging the top athletes?
Hüseyin Günel: I firmly believe I can be a strong contender. I feel very confident because I am comfortable diving and spearfishing at depths beyond 40 metres.
Experience in neighbouring Albania
Valentina Prokic: Do you know anything about the competition areas?
Hüseyin Günel: I do not yet have detailed information about the actual competition areas. However, I have done a lot of diving in Albania, so I expect the seabed and underwater terrain in Montenegro to be similar.
High expectations for the Turkish team
Valentina Prokic: What are your expectations for the Turkish team in Montenegro?
Hüseyin Günel: I truly believe we can finish high in the standings and achieve a great result. My teammates are outstanding, and every one of them is a highly accomplished athlete.
