For the Cups I Will Lift: The Story of Sahra Inamlik
Sahra İnamlık, a young dancer from Türkiye, saw her love for movement surfaced in early childhood. Initially introduced to gymnastics at seven, it was not long before her true passion emerged: Latin dance. Watching her sister compete abroad, the stage lights, costumes, and performances sparked a desire in Sahra that she could not ignore. She returned home determined to follow her own path in dance, a journey that would soon intertwine with the challenges of living with Type 1 diabetes.
Since beginning this journey, Sahra has competed in numerous WDSF Opens and World Championships across Europe, taking part in both solo and choreographed Latin events in the Juvenile II, Junior I and Junior II categories. She has celebrated victories in Didim, Sarajevo and Skopje, along with podium finishes in Cambrils, and Madrid, steadily gaining experience and recognition on the international stage.
But her story is about much more than competition results. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of eight, Sahra has had to learn how to balance intense training, performance and careful health management. Supported every step of the way by her mother and sister, she has developed remarkable resilience, discipline and determination, allowing her to continue pursuing her love for DanceSport despite the obstacles she faces.
Today, it is this combination of passion, perseverance and family support that brings us together with Sahra. In her own words, she shares the story of her journey, the challenges she has overcome, and the inspiration she hopes to offer to other young athletes.
When and how did you discover your passion for Latin dance?
I have always been very active. I loved dancing from a very young age. Because of this, my mother first enrolled me in gymnastics when I was seven, and I trained there for about a year. But my interest in dance continued to grow, so when I was eight I began basic dance training at the club where I still train today.
During that period, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and had to stay in hospital for fifteen days. Only two weeks after leaving the hospital, something happened that would change the direction of my life.
My sister had a DanceSport competition in Greece. Since my diagnosis was still very new, we travelled there feeling a little sad but also very excited for her.
While she was getting ready, I watched her with admiration. Her hair was being done, she was putting on her make-up and wearing her competition dress. My mother was helping her. As I watched them, I felt an indescribable sense of admiration and longing.
Then the competition began. The stage lights, the colourful dresses and the beautiful dances were so impressive that I could not take my eyes off the stage.
At that moment I knew my mother understood what I was feeling. I asked her to please sign me up for the Latin dance group, and I promised myself that one day I would become a champion.
Making that decision gave me great strength. From that day on, no difficulty or obstacle could make me turn away from my path. My eyes were always on the podium. I imagined myself lifting the trophy on the top step one day, and I began fighting for my dreams.
What did you feel when you were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and how did it affect your journey?
Before I could fully understand what my illness was, I was admitted to hospital and I was very frightened. None of us really understood what was happening. During my time in hospital, the doctors and my family supported me a lot. My mother in particular worked very hard to learn everything she could about diabetes.
After leaving the hospital, I realised that my mother first wanted to help me become psychologically stronger. Feeling well and staying strong were very important. We decided to accept diabetes as part of our lives.
My family has always been by my side, and they are my greatest strength. I decided to stay strong not only for myself, but also to be an example for other children like me. I learned how to live with diabetes and continued dancing because I did not want to give up on my dreams.
“Diabetes may be a part of my life, but it cannot stop my dreams.”
How do you manage your diabetes during training and competitions?
During training sessions and competitions, I constantly monitor my blood glucose levels thanks to the sensor on my arm. I always check my values before and after dancing, and if my blood glucose drops I take small snacks.
I also use an insulin pump, which makes managing insulin delivery much easier. When my blood glucose rises, the pump helps regulate it by delivering insulin to my body.
During competitions, my mother stands beside the stage and monitors my sensor through the application on my phone. Because my sensor is connected to my phone via Bluetooth, the phone must stay close to me so the connection is not lost.
That is why my mother almost dances with me at the side of the stage. Wherever I move, she moves in the same direction to keep the connection.
Sometimes technical problems can occur with the sensor. In those moments, while other athletes rest between rounds, my mother checks my blood glucose with a small finger-prick test. Sometimes we have to repeat this several times to monitor my values properly.
Thanks to her support, I can protect my health and still perform at my best on stage.
“I may have a sensor on my arm, but when I step onto the stage, there is only dance in my mind.”
What role do your mother and sister play in supporting you?
My mother has been my greatest supporter throughout this journey. After my diagnosis, she worked incredibly hard both in hospital and afterwards to learn everything about diabetes.
She is always by my side during training, competitions and daily life. She helps me monitor my blood glucose and make sure everything is done correctly. She has always believed in me and often tells me something that gives me strength:
“I am your shadow. Whatever your dream is, wherever in the world you want to be, I will be there.”
My sister is also a very talented Latin dancer, and she is a wonderful example for me. Watching her and sometimes dancing together motivates me to work even harder.
Dance is our greatest passion, and I feel very lucky to have a family that believes in my dreams as much as I do.
What challenges have you faced as a young athlete living with diabetes?
My situation is a little different from that of other athletes. During competitions and training sessions my mother needs to stay close to me, and sometimes it can be difficult to explain this to organisers.
There is one moment I will never forget. After finishing a performance and giving my bow on stage, the head judge called my number and asked my coach and me to come to him. He thought the sensor on my arm was an accessory and said it was not allowed.
Together with my coach, we explained that it was a medical device used to measure my blood glucose. At that moment I felt very sad that the situation was not understood. However, seeing that awareness about this issue is now growing makes me very happy.
Competitions can also affect my blood glucose levels. Stress and excitement sometimes cause them to rise, which can lead to headaches, thirst and blurred vision. At other times my levels may drop, causing shaking, sweating or dizziness.
Because my passion for DanceSport is so strong, my doctor taught my mother and me how to manage these situations. My device even has a special “competition setting” designed to prevent my blood glucose from dropping during performances.
My nutrition is also carefully planned before competitions. Carbohydrate counting is done precisely and my insulin dose is adjusted accordingly.
With the support of my family, doctors, coaches and club, I have learned how to manage these challenges and continue dancing.
What motivates you to pursue your dreams despite these challenges?
When I dance, I feel truly happy. When I step onto the stage, I forget all the difficulties. At that moment I feel completely present, as if nothing else exists around me. Dance is not just a sport for me, it is a true passion. It gives me strength and makes me feel free.
My greatest motivation is the dream of becoming a World Champion. At the same time, inspiring children who live with Type 1 diabetes motivates me deeply.
If my story can make even one child say “I can do it too,” it would mean everything to me.
“I dance not only for myself, but also for all children who have dreams like mine.”
How do you balance your love for dance with managing your health?
My health is very important to me, so I carefully monitor my blood glucose levels through my sensor and listen to my body before training sessions and competitions.
The insulin pump helps me manage my insulin much more easily, and because it is supported by artificial intelligence it can sometimes automatically regulate my blood glucose.
I also pay close attention to my nutrition. My meals are planned according to my training schedule and my doctor’s recommendations. Protein, carbohydrates, fats and vegetables are carefully balanced to support my performance as an athlete
Over time I have learned to understand my body. When I am well prepared and organised, I can protect my health and continue dancing. I believe success does not begin on the stage, but in the preparation before stepping onto it. For me, dance is not only a sport, it is a way of life.
What advice would you give to other young athletes living with diabetes?
First of all, never give up on your dreams. Diabetes may be part of your life, but it does not have to stop you.
Believing in yourself is the most important thing. When you combine something you love with a strong goal, nothing can stop you.
For me, that passion is DanceSport and my biggest goal is to become a World Champion. If you truly believe and work hard, nothing can stop you. If I can do it, you can do it too.
How does it feel to be a role model for children facing similar challenges?
It feels wonderful. Knowing that my voice is being heard makes my family and me very happy.
"The cups I will lift and the medals I will wear from now on mean much more to me, because knowing that they can give hope to another child."
Families of children living with diabetes from different parts of the world have started reaching out to us. Associations, doctors and athletes also contact us, and we try to support everyone as much as we can. Sometimes I even share my competition schedule with families so they can come and watch. Just as I was inspired by my sister when I was younger, perhaps they might also discover their dreams in that atmosphere.
"If my story can give even a little courage to another child’s dreams, that would be the greatest medal of my life."
What message would you like to give to the DanceSport community regarding athletes with health conditions such as diabetes?
Sport is a right for everyone. Every child should have the opportunity to follow their dreams.
Children living with diabetes can also step onto the stage, compete and succeed. With the right support, they can show the world what they are capable of.
I believe organisations should be more aware of athletes with special health conditions and create environments where they can participate comfortably.
I have been dancing with diabetes for five years, but only recently has my situation become more visible. For me, it is very important that people understand these experiences. I dance with a sensor on my arm, but in my heart there are only my dreams.
"I want to show the world that dreams have no limits."
A Champion Already in the Making
As Sahra continues her journey, her story is also being recognised by the global DanceSport community. Shawn Tay, WDSF President, praised her determination and the inspiration she brings to young athletes around the world:
“Sahra’s courage and commitment embody the true spirit of DanceSport. Her story reminds us that passion, resilience and the support of a community can empower young athletes to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams.”
This weekend, Sahra will once again step onto the international stage as she competes at the WDSF Istanbul Open, taking part in the Choreographic Latin Junior and Open Solo Latin events. For Sahra, every competition is another step forward, not only towards her dream of becoming a world champion, but also towards inspiring children around the world to believe that, as she said, dreams have no limits.
