Tehran, Iran – It’s the year 2021, and in Konya, Turkey, at the fifth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, Farzaneh Fasihi experiences a challenging yet triumphant moment.

Struggling with the remnants of a recent COVID-19 infection, Fasihi eagerly prepares for the 100-metre sprint, determined to compete despite physical setbacks.

As the race commences, she pushes herself to new limits, surpassing her own records with a remarkable time of 11.12 seconds to secure the silver medal.

Fasihi reflects on her journey, sharing, “The night before a race, my life flashes before me – all the struggles and triumphs. It fuels my determination.”

With the Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon, Fasihi, Iran's fastest female sprinter, eagerly anticipates showcasing her talent in the 100-metre event.

Coming from a family of athletes, Fasihi acknowledges the unwavering support of her loved ones, emphasizing the crucial role they've played in her success.

“I didn’t want to do it’

Originally from Isfahan, Iran, Fasihi's sporting journey began unexpectedly when her gym teacher encouraged her to participate in a running competition during middle school.

Reluctant at first, Fasihi surprised herself by breaking records, igniting a passion for track and field that eventually led her to international acclaim.

Despite initial successes, Fasihi faced setbacks due to minimal support from the Iranian athletics federation, prompting a temporary departure from competitive sprinting.

Her decision to return to the sport in late 2018 marked a turning point, culminating in both a career resurgence and a personal milestone – her marriage to coach Amir Hosseini.

Setting the Record Straight – This One’s ‘For the People’

In a poignant moment at the 2023 Asian Indoor Athletics Championships, Fasihi shattered records and clinched gold while dedicating her victory to the people of Iran.

Her symbolic gesture paid homage to Mahsa Amini, a young Iranian woman whose tragic death sparked widespread activism for women's rights globally.

By using her platform for advocacy, Fasihi made a powerful statement, underscoring the importance of social awareness and activism in sports.

Olympic Dreaming

In pursuit of her Olympic aspirations, Fasihi's journey saw her qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics through universality placement, a testament to her resilience and determination.

Although facing challenges, including scrutiny over her hijab, Fasihi's experience in Tokyo fueled her ambition to excel further, setting her sights on the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Despite hurdles such as limited government support and financial constraints, Fasihi remains focused on her goals, determined to showcase her best at the upcoming Olympics.