Throughout my life, basketball has been central. I spent 11 years playing in the NBA, competing against the world’s top athletes. Reaching such heights requires years of training, sacrifice, and resilience. But I didn’t become the player I was during games with thousands watching. I became that player during countless hours of practice unseen by anyone.
This growth occurred in empty gyms through continuous effort—each shot, drill, and day adding up to something significant. Much like basketball, courage builds over time. The big, noticeable acts of courage stem from numerous smaller, unnoticed decisions.
“Every time you decide that fear will not dictate your actions, you build courage.”
I learned this lesson early. Growing up in Turkey, I was handed an American flag and asked to burn it. Not understanding why I should hate an unfamiliar country, I sought guidance from my mother. Her advice was simple: “Don’t hate anyone before you meet them.” This small moment left a lasting impact.
Later, as I played basketball in the United States, I observed a teammate openly criticize the president. Coming from a place where such actions invited dire consequences, this freedom was astonishing. However, speaking up has its costs.
My growing platform allowed me to voice concerns about human rights abuses in Turkey and critique President Erdoğan’s government. Speaking out subjected me and my family to severe repercussions; the Turkish government revoked my passport, issued arrest warrants, and imprisoned my father. The government even placed a bounty on my head.
Later, I criticized China for its treatment of various groups. Despite potential backlash, I chose to speak out, understanding that freedom includes the cost of speaking one’s mind.
This understanding led me to choose “Freedom” as my new last name when I became an American citizen, recognizing what life looks like without it. Freedom involves the ability to question and challenge powerful entities. It allows for critical discussions without sacrificing dignity or voice.
“Freedom comes with costs, just as enduring principles do. But silence brings its own price once you’ve experienced true freedom.”
I now advocate for women’s sports. I empathize with athletes striving for excellence, understanding the sacrifices made for the chance to compete. Women and girls deserve assurance that their opportunities are safeguarded.
At the heart of this discussion is a biological truth: men and women are different, and this matters in sports. A call for honest discourse does not negate the need for dignity and respect, which I deeply value. We cannot ignore biological realities while respecting all individuals.
We should engage in open dialogues, balancing compassion with tough questions and ensuring fair competition for female athletes. In a free society, such conversations must be feasible.
Demonstrating freedom involves practicing it regularly, even when standing alone is simpler. Somewhere, a young girl is training in solitude, pursuing her dream without an audience. Her efforts have the potential to transform into something extraordinary. She deserves the same freedom and support to pursue her goals. It’s up to us to engage in challenging conversations that will protect her opportunities.
Change often begins modestly, sparked by someone’s willingness to voice their thoughts. Over time, what once demanded courage becomes common sense.
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