Kimia Alizadeh: From Iranian hero to Bulgarian hopeful in Paris

PARIS: Kimia Alizadeh made history in 2016 by becoming the first Iranian woman to win an Olympic medal, capturing a bronze in taekwondo. Despite the challenges and risks involved in defecting from her homeland, Alizadeh is now poised to aim for gold at the upcoming Paris Olympics, representing her new home, Bulgaria.

“Like every other athlete, I am targeting the gold medal in Paris which is our main goal. I wake up every day for the gold medal in Paris and I’m trying my best and I give 100% to achieve this goal,” Alizadeh expressed with determination.

After leaving Iran due to oppressive conditions, Alizadeh competed as part of the Refugee Olympic Team in Tokyo. Her journey took a significant turn when she received Bulgarian citizenship, making her path to Paris clearer and more supported.

“Of course it was extra motivation for me after I received my Bulgarian citizenship, everything is much easier for me. Also, I faced a lot of new things and I feel more responsible but, yeah, I really like it,” she shared.

Despite receiving offers from countries like Belgium and the Netherlands, Alizadeh chose Bulgaria, following her heart. She has already faced and defeated an Iranian opponent, her former friend and roommate, at the Tokyo Olympics, a testament to her resilience and focus.

“It’s a weird feeling because in Tokyo I fought against Iran, and she (Nahid Kiani) was my best friend and my roommate. It’s really a weird feeling I can’t explain it in words,” Alizadeh admitted. “But this is the fight, this is the game, and every athlete is doing their best to represent their country.”

Alizadeh’s move to Bulgaria marked a new beginning, with the challenges of adapting to a new language, culture, and people. Yet, her unwavering goal remains: Olympic gold.

“Of course it’s hard when you leave your country and you face a lot of new things such as a new language, new culture and new people,” she told Reuters. “It is hard, it’s a new start. I have to start from the beginning and I had to update myself and adapt myself. Of course it’s hard but I just moved on and I went forward for my goal.”(REUTERS)