TurkeyBiography
Iconic Turkish athlete. 19-times national record holder. 1960 Olympian.
Started athletics at age 13 in a local road running contest (Dumlupinar Run in Ankara). Broke her first national record (80m hurdles) in 1948. During 1950s, she was leading member of Turkish National Athletics Team as broke several national records such a wide range from 100 metres to discus throw and pentathlon. Competed in Rome Olympics.
Önel also was a brilliant volleyballer played for Gençlerbirliği. She was a member of 1971 national volleyball champion Gençlerbirliği team, also represented Turkey in the European Cup.
Aycan Önel lost her beloved husband Cahit, four-time Olympian, in 1970. Nearly 10-year hiatus from the athletics, she made a comeback for veterans in 1980. Won four medals in the Veteran World Champs until 1991.
PERSONAL BESTS
100m: 12.6 (1957)
200m: 26.0 (Ankara 1959)
800m: 2:44.0 (1957)
80H: 12.7 (1960)
LJ: 5.34m (Ankara 1957)
DT: 38.85m (Ankara 1961)
SP: 12.28m (Ankara 1962)
Pentathlon: 3795 (Athens 1960)