Şaziye Erdoğan, born in Ankara in 1992, began weightlifting at the age of 10. Her decision to pursue weightlifting was influenced by the support of weightlifting coaches who visited her school and her brother. Soon developing a strong interest in the sport, Erdoğan went on to win European and world championships in the youth and junior categories.

Injury Period and Return to Sport

In 2012, while preparing for the Olympics, she suffered a tendon rupture in her left elbow. Due to this injury, she was forced to retire from sports. During her recovery, she got married and had a child. Despite having a plate in her elbow, she returned to weightlifting with the support of her husband, who is also her coach, Burak Erdoğan.

Sporting Career and Achievements

Şaziye Erdoğan is an athlete of ASKİ Sports Club and has served as captain of the Women’s National Weightlifting Team. Throughout her career, she has achieved numerous international successes:

• 2019 World Weightlifting Championships (Thailand): Gold medal in the snatch with 77 kg in the 45 kg category, silver medal in the clean and jerk with 92 kg, and gold medal in total with 169 kg.
• 2021 World Weightlifting Championships (Uzbekistan): Silver medal in the snatch with 76 kg, and two bronze medals in the clean and jerk with 93 kg and in total with 169 kg.
• 2021 European Weightlifting Championships (Russia): Bronze medal in the clean and jerk with 97 kg.
• 2022 European Weightlifting Championships (Albania): Three gold medals in the snatch with 73 kg, clean and jerk with 90 kg, and total with 163 kg.

She also holds world and European records in the youth category and has been named Sportswoman of the Year five times.

Olympic Goal

During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics cycle, Erdoğan was in a position to qualify for the Games, as she ranked within the top 10 in the 49 kg category in the world rankings. However, due to her previous injuries and pandemic-related conditions, she did not participate in the Olympics. She has stated that she continues her preparations to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Family Life and Training Routine

Şaziye Erdoğan lives in Nevşehir with her husband and coach, Burak Erdoğan. After the birth of her son Eymen, her return to sport made her a prominent figure as a “sporting mother.” Erdoğan emphasizes that she manages to balance family life and her sporting career, even during training camps, ensuring she does not neglect her maternal responsibilities.

Views and Social Contribution

Şaziye Erdoğan advocates that women can achieve anything they set their minds to. She asserts that motherhood is not an obstacle to success and aims to inspire young women. She also emphasizes that weightlifting is a suitable sport for women.