Before Emre Sakci<\/strong> goes out to compete for Team Iron<\/strong> in the ISL at the Duna Arena, the Turkish swimmer writes Izmir<\/strong> in big, black letters across his heart.<\/p>\n

Following his race – and regardless of the outcome – he turns, sits on the lane rope and makes the heart gesture with his hands in tribute to the city of his birth and where he still lives and trains.<\/p>\n

The Izmir region bore the brunt of the earthquake that struck off the Aegean coast just over a fortnight ago.<\/p>\n

$\"Emre$
Photo Courtesy: MIKE LEWIS \/ ISL<\/p><\/div>\n
At least 115 people were reported killed with many homes and buildings destroyed and parts of the city of Izmir flooded.<\/p>\n
While Sakci’s family are safe, the 22-year-old has found it extremely hard to be looking on from more than a thousand miles away.<\/p>\n
In an interview with Swimming World, Sakci explained why he wrote the place name across his heart, saying:<\/p>\n
“To support Izmir.<\/p>\n
“My city is in a very bad situation. It\u2019s really hard for me because I can\u2019t do anything for my city.<\/p>\n
“I am here but I keep my focus for the race but for Izmir it is very bad.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Sakci, who lives with his mother \u00d6zlem\u00a0<\/b>and cat Spice, added:<\/p>\n
“To be honest I get mentally tired because I am here from 11 October and I miss my city and I miss my family and our food and my city is in a very bad situation.<\/p>\n
“It has been very difficult \u2013 absolutely. But I will try again in the semifinal and I will try to do my best again and hopefully I can.<\/p>\n
“Thank God my family is okay now: but it has been very bad for Izmir and it is still bad.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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Photo Courtesy: Mine Kasapoglu\/ISL<\/p><\/div>\n
Sakci has been a consistent standout performer, setting European records over 50 and 100 breaststroke.<\/a><\/p>\n
The 2019 European short-course 50br silver medallist came within 0.04 of Cameron van der Burgh<\/strong>‘s 2009 world record of 25.29 in the shorter race and stopped the clock at 55.74 in the 100, 0.13 outside the South African’s 100m mark in 55.74.<\/p>\n
Iron line up against Cali Condors, LA Current and Toronto Titans in the semi-final on Sunday and Monday.<\/p>\n
Sakci though isn’t focused on the world records but instead is looking to always improve on his own best times.<\/p>\n
He said:<\/p>\n
“I just try to swim my perfect 50 breast. I just try this \u2013 not to break the world record or something else.<\/p>\n
“I just try to beat myself, (I have) a competition with myself.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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