“There’s a growing fascination with open water swimming because it represents something deeply human.”

Yasemin Altıntaş is one of Turkey’s leading open water swimmers, with numerous international accolades—and solid advice for anyone interested in trying the sport.

How did you become involved in open water swimming? How did RC contribute to your interest?
My time at RC was where swimming really took shape for me. I created and captained the swimming team, and through competitive swimming I learned discipline, structure, and a sense of commitment to something bigger than myself. My deeper involvement with open water swimming came much later.

RC teaches you to be curious, resilient, and to take initiative—values that matter most when you’re in the middle of the ocean.

 What skills or qualities does open water swimming require?
It demands more than physical stamina. It’s a test of emotional resilience, patience, and adaptability. The ocean doesn’t follow a predictable rhythm like a pool; it’s alive and constantly changing. Every long swim becomes a dialogue with your mind. The ability to stay present, breathe through discomfort, and trust your preparation makes all the difference.

You can’t fake endurance—it’s built over time through repetition and commitment. You must also develop awareness of your body, your rhythm, and the sea’s mood.

What kind of interest do you see in the general public toward open water swimming?
There’s a growing fascination with it because it represents something deeply human: freedom, connection to nature, and inner strength. After the pandemic, many swimmers ventured outdoors simply because they needed physical and mental space—and quickly discovered it’s not just a sport but a form of meditation.

Open water swimming is also becoming more inclusive and accessible. Many people now join community swims or cold-water dips. I’m very engaged in expanding this community; while channel swimming may not be for everyone, open water can be.

You were recently stung by a jellyfish. Are these dangers typical?
When I was stung by a Portuguese Man O’ War in Hawaii, I already knew what to expect. I’d been told it would hurt intensely and that I might struggle to move for about thirty minutes, but that it would pass—and that I’d regret it if I stopped. Having that knowledge helped me stay calm and keep going.

The greatest danger in this sport isn’t the wildlife; it’s underestimating the sea itself.

Any advice for RC alumni or students considering open water swimming?
Start gently and approach it with curiosity rather than pressure. Begin with short swims close to shore, ideally with a group or coach who knows the local conditions. Always prioritize safety.

Focus on mindset. Some days will feel effortless; others will feel like an uphill battle. The key is not to resist either experience. The ability to stay composed and steady in an unpredictable environment is what makes the sport so rewarding—both in and out of the water.

“Watching NBA game tapes with Mr. Phillips took my interest to another level.”

A leading figure in sports commentary and writing, Kaan Kural’s true passion has always been basketball — and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles is the one event he’s most looking forward to.

In which sports were you involved at RC?
I was a member of the basketball and track & field teams, but as a boarding student, I got involved in almost every sport the school offered. I dedicated more time to athletics than academics — which says a lot about my commitment to both.

Many teachers stand out, but Dave Phillips is a particularly distinct figure. He was both my basketball coach and my overall sports mentor. He genuinely encouraged us to participate. I remember in my senior year, only one other classmate and I were interested in archery. For PE class, he gave us the keys to the Plateau depot so we could fetch the archery equipment and do our thing while he supervised the rest of the students. He never said, “Do what everyone else is doing.” Instead, he encouraged us to “do whatever you like.”

How did you fall in love with basketball?
As a boarding student, you have a lot of free time. During winter, you need to find indoor activities — and naturally, the gym became the go-to option. To be involved in sports at RC at the time, you had to play basketball. I loved it from the start. I watched the older students play and admired them. I tried to improve, had fun, and played every single day without ever getting bored.

Dave Phillips brought NBA game tapes, and we’d watch them together in the AV room. That took my interest and fandom to a whole new level.

You’ve done many things in your career — writing, acting, commentating, publishing. Which of these has been the most fulfilling for you?
Writing. Writing is both instinctive and spontaneous, yet also prepared and structured. With writing, you can always pinpoint exactly what you want to express — the precise thought, feeling, or theory you had. Everything I’ve done has its own strengths and rewards, but I’ve always felt that writing allows me to convey exactly what I want to get across.

What advice would you give RC students considering a career in sports content or commentating?
Just produce. Never stop reading, learning, and developing your skills — and keep producing. It’s the best way to improve in any field, and it also helps you build a portfolio for future opportunities. Start with podcasting, writing columns — whatever speaks to you. They’ll be rough at first. When I look back at my early work, I’m embarrassed by how inadequate most of it was. But that’s how I — and really, how anyone — improves. Just like in sports: practice.

“Sports teach humility.”

 Emir Alkaş’s involvement in sports at RC led him to a professional coaching career — and he continues to benefit from those experiences today as the Managing Partner at Inveon, a technology company. He is also active in the world of horse racing.

What was your involvement in sports at RC? 

I was deeply involved in basketball, both as a player and later as someone who enjoyed organizing and motivating others. I have very fond memories of our practices and the sense of camaraderie that came with representing the school. The beloved Dave Phillips had the strongest influence on me — as a basketball person, a coach, and a human being. He wasn’t just teaching us how to play; he was teaching us how to compete, to work as a team, and to handle both wins and losses with perspective.

How did you decide to become a coach? 

I was lucky enough to volunteer at EuroBasket 2001 as part of the press team, where I happened to catch the attention of people from Efes Pilsen (as it was called then) and was offered a coaching position. I enjoyed strategy, communication, and seeing players improve — so stepping into a coaching role felt more like a continuation than a change. I assisted top-level coaches such as Mahmuti, Blatt, Memnun, and Ataman. The most rewarding part was seeing players unlock potential they didn’t know they had. The most challenging part was balancing expectations — helping each athlete grow individually while maintaining team cohesion and competitiveness.

What role does sports play in your life today?
Today, I am the Managing Partner at Inveon, a company that builds e-commerce technologies and digital growth solutions. Sports still play a major role in my life — not just as a pastime, but as a mindset. They remain a constant reminder of discipline, analysis, and resilience — all qualities that also define my professional life.

How did you get involved in horse racing? What qualities make it unique as a sport?
Horses have been part of a family tradition started by my grandfather, Avram Barokas, in the 1970s. I currently run an equine operation in four countries — Turkey, Ireland, France, and the United States — under my family’s name. Horse racing is unique because it brings together science and instinct: genetics, training, and management on one hand, and the unpredictability of live competition on the other. It’s a sport that rewards patience, knowledge, and intuition in equal measure.

How do the skills learned through sports translate to corporate life — or do they?
They absolutely do. Sports teach you how to build teams, handle pressure, and compete fairly — all crucial lessons in business. In both fields, success relies on preparation, adaptability, and leadership. You also learn humility: sometimes the best strategy still doesn’t yield the desired result, and you have to adjust — not complain.