Inspiring Story of a 15-Year-Old Paralympic Medalist
Everyone thought Zahra Rahimi’s silver medal at the Paris Paralympics was a fluke. It was hard to bet on a 15-year-old girl experiencing her first major competition. However, Rahimi proved her doubters wrong, securing Iran’s first-ever women’s para-taekwondo medal in the history of the games.
After winning gold at the Asian Championships, Rahimi was confident she could also medal at the Paralympics. Although she aimed for gold in Paris and ended up with silver, she assures that she will win three gold medals in future competitions.
Beyond the Medal: Rahimi’s Dedication to Gaza’s Children
Rahimi’s main concern isn’t Olympic gold; she’s more focused on children with disabilities and those in Gaza. She has dedicated her medal to the children of Gaza and plans to use her prize money to establish a robotics company that will provide free prosthetics for disabled children.
Did you expect to win a medal before going to Paris?
Yes, I did. I worked hard for this medal and believed in my abilities. This medal is very valuable to me, although I wished it were gold.
You had high expectations; did you only think about winning gold?
Yes, my phone’s wallpaper was even a picture of the Paris gold medal. Now I have silver but am motivated for gold in the next Olympics.
Motivation and Support
Where does your confidence come from?
My biggest supporter is God. I promised Him I’d perform my best at the Olympics. My mother is my second biggest supporter; her trust in me made me believe in myself.
Technically, were you ready for gold?
Based on my performance at the Asian Championships, I knew I could win an Olympic medal. Unfortunately, an injury before the final and facing a more experienced opponent cost me the gold.
How did you start taekwondo?
I’ve been practicing taekwondo since I was seven because I’m interested in martial arts and wanted an Olympic-suitable sport.
How do others treat you given your condition?
Some differences sometimes bothered me, but I focused on my training and ignored them. Now I’ve won an Olympic medal while they haven’t achieved anything significant.
Besides the medal, what else was valuable to you in Paris?
The happiness of my parents. When my mother called, she spoke with excitement and tears, giving me a special feeling of joy. My mother had always wished for a banner in the streets of our city for me, and now the streets are filled with banners and photos celebrating my competition and medal. My main motivation is to make my parents proud and do something that brings them honor.
a vow to Imam
Are you very attached to your family?
I love them very much. Before going to the Olympics, we were taken to the shrine of Imam Reza (AS). I made a vow there that if I won a medal at the Olympics, I would bring my parents to the shrine.
Were you training under the Taekwondo Federation or the Federation for Veterans and Disabled for Paris?
Mr. Saei and the Taekwondo Federation supported me greatly. They did everything necessary for us.
Did the large scale of the Olympics affect your performance?
I am not stressed and am very calm; I never pay attention to the atmosphere of the venue. I know how to calm myself down. Rather than seeing a psychologist, I trust myself more.
Dedication to Gaza
Why did you dedicate your medal to the children of Gaza?
Seeing their images and videos on social media—innocent children living in harsh conditions or being martyred—makes me very sad. I dedicated my medal to them so that they might be happy even if just for a moment.
If asked to do something for them, what would you do?
The only thing I can do is provide financial support.
You said that the best congratulatory message was from the President. Why was it the best—because he is from Tabriz?
No, just because he is our country’s President.
Your fellow citizens gave you an overwhelming welcome. Did you expect such a reception?
I knew they would welcome me like this. My fellow citizens and people from my province are very proud of their youth. I thank all of them.
Future Plans
What are your plans for the future? Besides aiming for the gold medal at the 2028 Paralympics, do you have any other plans?
I have a lot of work to do. First, I want to win three Paralympic gold medals. After achieving these medals, I will retire from professional sports. My field of study is mathematics, and I intend to pursue programming. With the rewards from these medals, I plan to start a robotics company, design and build prosthetic limbs, and provide them for free to children in need.
Message for Those with Physical Challenges
Those who have physical challenges often find it very difficult to integrate into society, let alone pursue sports or continue in professional sports. What message do you have for them?
Be yourself and love yourself as you are. If we strive hard, we can even surpass those who are physically normal. I tell them not to underestimate.
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