The family of Didim swimmer Maya Gördüemel has been left fuming over a bureaucratic decision that denies her the chance to obtain a special sports school scholarship.

Her mum, Sam, related how Maya had travelled with her coach to Antalya in August after being invited to effectively swim against the clock in her chosen disciplines to be able to qualify to apply for a Turkish scholarship known as Spor Eğitim Merkez (SEM).

Having beaten the time challenge, she hoped her swimming performances would be highlighted as only 30% of all total applicants are accepted for an SEM school scholarship.

Devastated Sam has since discovered she can’t apply as the government said only children from several named cities could do so. The nearest cities to Maya were either Izmir, Manisa or Antalya – all several hours away.

Having sought further advice, it transpires that Aydin doesn’t have enough swimmers to warrant an SEM school, although the province has three such schools for boxing, athletics and gymnastics disciplines.

Sam said she had been fighting for a few days trying to register Maya under one of the named cities but ultimately had to give up. “I received a phone call from the main person in charge of the special sports school organisation and was told the only way Maya can apply is if she physically goes to a school in one of those qualifying cities.

“While recognizing Maya’s undoubted abilities, they said that, unfortunately, due to the lack of children qualifying in Aydin, it wasn’t possible to open a SEM school and there was nothing they could do.”

Sam added: “So because of a bureaucratic decision, she was denied her chance. I am devastated for her as she struggled mentally with this competition in Antalya, but she pushed through and qualified. She was left completely deflated and even missed a few days swimming as she was so down.

“I understand it’s not just Maya missing out and my heart goes out to all the other children and families caught up in the same situation.”