“In 2021, at the fifth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games in Konya, Turkey, Farzaneh Fasihi of Iran competed in the 100-metre sprint, pushing past the lingering effects of a COVID-19 infection. Despite feeling exhausted, she crossed the finish line in a record-breaking time of 11.12 seconds, winning the silver medal. Fasihi, Iran’s fastest female runner, shared her journey and struggles in a recent interview from Belgrade, Serbia, where she is training for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Born into an athletic family in Isfahan, Fasihi’s passion for track and field was ignited by a middle school competition where she unexpectedly broke a record. After facing setbacks and little support from the Iranian federation, she left the sport briefly before making a comeback in 2018. With the unwavering support of her husband and coach, Amir Hosseini, Fasihi’s career soared to new heights. Her standout performances in Belgrade and at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, where she set records and won gold, have solidified her as a top sprinter in Asia. Fasihi’s dedication to her sport and her country was evident when she used her platform to protest injustices in Iran, including the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. Despite facing challenges and lack of official support, Fasihi remains determined to achieve her Olympic dreams and inspire other female athletes in Iran.”
