He was born and raised in a different country from where is the his country of citizenship. His father was always a hero for him. He stood upright for the sake of his beliefs and he never hesitated to say bravely what his beliefs. He was disciplined and worked hard. This iron-fisted man had another success
at every turn but actually he had an infinite compassion in his heart and one day, it was no coincidence that he was recognized by the all of the world… The national boxer and the World Champion dear Unsal Arik, he was sincerely answered all the questions what I asked him.
Hello Mr. Arik. We know you by dint of the world championship and we were very proud of this. Could you tell us briefly about yourself?
I was born in Germany on October 27, 1980. My deceased mother and father met here and married here. So it is my destiny to live abroad.
When and how did you start your sports life?
Like many young people, in my youth I’ve been keen on football and I risen to Fenerbahçe’s youth setup. The deceased Selçuk Yula was my coach. When I continued my career in Germany, I started boxing to improve my performance. This job started with jokes but after then turned professional.
Why did you prefer to boxing?
As I said, this job started with jokes but after then turned professional. I discovered myself again when I did boxing and I set new goals for myself. These goals have changed my lifestyle and my thoughts.
What do you owe to your success in sport life?
As you know, need to work hard to be successful. I went to exercise while my friends were touring and had a fun. When you have goal, you should focus on it 100% and believe in yourself. I did this!
Did you take a model on someone for yourself since you were a child?
Until today, my father has been a very big role in my life. He always told me his story. He told that he came to Germany with a debt and came in with a just single suitcase, and then I’ve listened that he had a hearth and home, a family. I always thought to myself that, if my father can cope with these difficulties
without knowing language in a foreign country, I can do everything.
How did you feel when you are the world champion?
That’s a truly incredible feeling that you have succeed your goals. But for me, the best moment of the match is the playing of the our National Anthem before the match starts and whenever I listen, I get the shivers!
We know that nutrition is an important for an athlete. How do you eat as a world champion?
According to me, 70 percent of the sport is about eating. If you do not eat well, you cannot have the sport properly. I prefer vegetables, fruits and cereals that are always high in vitamins and proteins during intense workouts and match preparation. In the meantime, do not to eat chocolate, chips-style junk food, and do not drink fizzy, sugary drinks. That’s a better.
We’ve heard about you do not use animal products. When and how have you been vegetarian and vegan?
I have been vegetarian for 4 years and I’ve decided to be vegan about 4 weeks ago as a result of my long research. I have a little dog that its name is Oskar. I love the animals even more when my dog loves me unconditionally. And then, I’ve learned that we can live healthy when we do not eat meat or do not consume animal products. Nature has present us everything. Everything we need is exist in vegetables and fruits.
Is the vegetarian or vegan diet difficult? Are there moments that you have been difficulty in this process?
No, I certainly did not difficulty in. Because it’s not a big changing. People think that protein is only in meat products because they do not search this. In fact, they don’t know that a bowl of lentil soup is a protein depot. As I said, there is everything in nature what we need and we don’t need to kill for
feed!
What are the effects of your vegetarian or vegan diet on your performance and your health?
Since the day I started feeding like vegan, I feel much more powerful and energetic. According to me, one of the nicest thing is being much healthier and I am being less sick. If an athlete can feed vegan, everyone can do it.
Where and how would you like to see yourself in the future?
I participate in many social responsibility projects besides my sports career. For example, I’m the embassy of the Children’s Heart Foundation. In the future, I want to encourage more people about feeding like vegan. I would like to cooperate with animal rights organizations. That gives me an incredibly proud.
Once and for all, what is your message for reader?
Please research more and read more. Every creature comes to live in this world, just like us. Let’s not forget that the animals are our friends and also they have a beating heart, like us. My beliefs taught me to live in peace, not killing! I would like to live in a world where no human or no animal being is tortured or killed. I would like to live in a peaceful world…
