The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has named Esra Gümüş Kırıcı, a distinguished former captain of the Turkish women`s national volleyball team, as one of its ten `Believe in Sport` ambassadors for the upcoming 2025-2028 cycle.
The `Believe in Sport` initiative is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical threat of manipulating sports competitions. Ambassadors are tasked with engaging directly with athletes and their support teams, emphasizing potential risks, encouraging the disclosure of breaches, and actively upholding the core values of integrity and fair play. All chosen ambassadors underwent comprehensive preparatory training at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, to effectively prepare for their significant responsibilities.
Gümüş Kırıcı`s illustrious professional volleyball journey commenced in 1995 with VakıfBank Istanbul, followed by a move to Yeşilyurt in 2000. Her pivotal tenure at Eczacıbaşı VitrA saw her captaining the team to numerous Turkish League and Cup victories. A remarkable career highlight came in 2015 when her team secured both the prestigious CEV Champions League and the FIVB Volleyball Club World Championship. She also proudly represented Sariyer Belediyesi during her career.
On the international stage, she amassed an impressive record of close to 300 appearances for Türkiye. She notably led the national squad at the London 2012 Olympic Games, marking Türkiye`s inaugural and historic participation in women`s Olympic volleyball.
Since retiring from professional play, Gümüş Kırıcı has transitioned into diverse and impactful roles. She has worked as a lecturer in sports sciences, a respected media commentator, and a dedicated sports administrator affiliated with the Turkish Olympic Committee.
Her appointment aligns with the ongoing expansion of the `Believe in Sport` program, an initiative initially launched prior to the Tokyo 2020 Games and further developed for Paris 2024. This vital program is set to extend its reach to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, where ambassadors will directly engage with participating athletes. In her new capacity, Gümüş Kırıcı will play a crucial role in educating the sporting community about competition manipulation and passionately advocating for sports integrity and fair play.
Oliver Wrenwick