Iran’s Fasihi: From Record-Breaking Sprinter to Olympic Hopeful

In a quest for glory at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Konya, Turkey back in 2021, Farzaneh Fasihi of Iran overcame the lingering effects of a COVID-19 infection to set a new 100-metre sprint record. With a silver medal in hand, the Iranian athlete is now eyeing the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics where she hopes to shine in her favorite event.

From her early days in Isfahan, Iran, Fasihi was destined for a life in sports, with a supportive family background in athletics. Her journey from a reluctant middle school runner to a standout international athlete has been marked by determination and setbacks.

After a brief hiatus and a return to the field in 2018, Fasihi’s career saw a meteoric rise, including a historic performance at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia. Her success led her to become the first female legionnaire in Iranian track and field history, signing with the Serbian club BAK and setting new records.

As Fasihi prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, her journey is not only about personal achievements but also about representing her country on the global stage. Despite the challenges faced by elite female athletes in Iran, Fasihi remains unwavering in her pursuit of excellence, self-financing her training and seeking sponsorships to support her ambitions.

In a field dominated by powerhouses like China, India, and Japan, Fasihi acknowledges the disparities in resources and support for athletes across the continent. Her recent participation in the Doha Diamond League showcased the fierce competition she faces, but the Iranian sprinter remains focused on her personal growth and breaking her own records.