The recent European Athletics Team Championships in Maribor (Slovenia) caught the attention of Azerbaijani sports fans not only for the national team's performance in the third division but also for the Turkish team’s participation in the second division. Among the athletes representing Turkiye, a brotherly nation to Azerbaijan, was Ramil Guliyev, originally from Azerbaijan, who by the twists of fate has become a leading figure in Turkish athletics.
Interestingly, Guliyev had announced his retirement from individual competition in December 2024. However, the 2017 World Champion returned to the track to represent Turkey in the team format.
In an exclusive interview with Idman.biz, Ramil Guliyev talked about what led him to return to competition, his role in the Turkish national team, his willingness to help Azerbaijan, and his family life.
Back on track
– You were recently seen competing at the European Team Championships in Maribor. What’s special about events like this?
– Yes, you're right, I did compete in Maribor. It was a very interesting experience because the team championship is quite different from individual competitions. Here, it’s not just about your own form, every point matters for the team. You really feel the sense of unity. Even in individual events like sprinting, you know you're contributing to a shared goal.
– In team athletics, even something seemingly small like baton exchanges in relays becomes crucial, doesn’t it?
– Baton exchanges might seem simple, but they’re actually very technically and psychologically demanding, especially under pressure. It all comes down to milliseconds, and the tiniest mistake can cost a medal. We practiced blind baton exchanges dozens of times, but the human factor always plays a role. Trust between athletes is key. You have to believe, blindly, that your teammate will get everything right.
– At the end of last year, you announced your retirement from individual athletics. What made you return for team competitions?
– That’s true. I retired from individual competition. But when I was asked to help the national team in a team format, I agreed. It’s a completely different type of responsibility and physical preparation. You’re not returning for personal results, you’re doing it to support the team and share your experience.
– Azerbaijani athletes also competed in Maribor. Did you have a chance to talk with them? Are you in contact with the new leadership of Azerbaijan’s athletics federation or coaches?
– I’ve always tried to stay in touch with Azerbaijani athletics. I watched the team in Maribor and was happy to see their progress. I still have good relations with many of the coaches, they sometimes consult with me. I've spoken with the new federation leadership, though not regularly. I’m always open to cooperation and willing to share my experience.
Open to interesting opportunities
– What are your future plans?
– I plan to stay in sports. I’ve spent half my life in this field and gained a lot of experience. Now I want to pass that on to the younger generation, not just in terms of athletic results, but in mindset, work ethic, discipline, and team spirit.
– Surely, team competitions are not your primary focus anymore?
– At the moment, I’m working in the federation as a mentor for the youth team. In a few days, we’ll be sending our relay team to the European U23 Championships. It’s a very important competition for them, and I want to be there, to support, guide, and motivate them. I’m glad I can be part of their journey and pass on what once helped me succeed internationally.
I’m also developing my own company, which organizes sports events, mainly training camps on Olympic-level bases. This is more than just business, it’s a continuation of my sports mission.
Having spent years at training camps myself, I understand all the nuances: what athletes, coaches, and staff need. That’s why teams from all over Europe come to us. Turkiye has excellent facilities and climate conditions, world and Olympic champions train here. That also gives me invaluable experience, both professionally and personally.
I’m also growing as a coach and mentor, I want to go deeper in that direction. In the future, I might work with national federations, if interesting offers come up.
For me, sports aren’t just a phase of life, it’s my path. So my plans are long-term and centered on supporting and developing sports both locally and internationally.
– Are you still working within the Fenerbahce club system?
– Yes, I’m still part of Fenerbahce and continue to grow there, not just as an athlete, but also in the organizational side.
– As you know, FC Fenerbahce is now led by Jose Mourinho. Have you had the chance to speak with him?
– Mourinho is a very charismatic person. I haven’t had the chance to speak with him directly yet, but I’ve seen his work at the base. The atmosphere has definitely changed since his arrival. He energizes everyone, not just the footballers, but the whole club. I hope I’ll get a chance to meet him personally.
Family, pizza, and politics
– A few years ago, you opened a pizzeria in Turkiye. How did that business go?
– Yes, you remember correctly, I did open a pizzeria. It was an interesting challenge, especially entering a business that was new to me.
In the end, I ran into the usual problems: economic crisis, rising costs. It became hard to keep up. I was basically breaking even, and a business needs to grow to thrive. So I decided to sell it, and an investor bought it. It continues, just without me. But I learned a lot from the experience and don’t regret it.
– Your son was born in December 2024, congratulations, even if very belated! You also have a daughter who’s now five. Are your kids showing any interest in sports?
– Thank you for the congratulations, late or not, it’s still appreciated. Yes, our son was born in December, and our daughter is already 5. It’s too early to say for sure, but she loves running and is very active. Our son mostly just watches with curiosity for now.
I’m not going to pressure them into sports, but if they’re interested, I’ll fully support them. The most important thing is for them to be healthy, active, and happy.
– Given your wife is former Russian track and field athlete Ekaterina Guliyeva (Zavyalova), how has your family reacted to the recent deterioration in Azerbaijan–Russia relations?
– We stay away from politics. Politics is essentially a game between governments, if they want conflict, they’ll find a reason; if they want peace, everyone forgets everything. We talk about it in the family, of course, but we can’t influence anything.
We’re a family of athletes. We’ve always stood for peace, friendship, and mutual respect. We understand how important it is to treat people humanely, regardless of political events, nationality, religion, or skin color. And that’s exactly what we want to pass on to our children. For us, it’s crucial that they grow up understanding that the world is held together by respect, not slogans, but real actions and how you treat others.
Teymur Tushiyev
Idman.biz
