Some believe that she is the 14th athletes who gained the Olympic quota but some believe she is the second after New Zealand para archer Neroli Fairhall, who participated in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
In the 2012 London Paralympic Games, Nemati grabbed the glittering gold to be the first Iranian woman winning the prestigious medal.
Iran Daily sat down with her for an exclusive interview coming below:
IRAN DAILY: You were a taekwondoka before suffering the spinal cord injury in a car accident. Right?
ZAHRA NEMATI: I was born in Kerman in 1985. I started taekwondo at the age of 12 and earned black belt. I really loved it. When I was 19, I had an accident which paralyzed me. For two years I underwent physiotherapy sessions to keep up my spirits. It helped me get back to life.
Q: Why did you choose archery?
A: Well, I decided to do sport again and I got familiar with archery. I started to like it and the feeling prompted me to do it professionally. I started tough training under professional coaches and was called up to the national team six months later. I practiced with my South Korean trainer and joined Iran’s Paralympics team. In the 2010 Czech Republic Championships, I broke the world record by winning a number of medals in individual and team categories.
Q: What helped you make success?
A: I think a disabled limb forces you to rely on other ones. Archery needs accurate sight but concentration is the key factor. My strong will helps me get colorful medals.
Q: In 2013, you were named the world’s best archer at the SportAccord Spirit of Sport Awards in St. Petersburg, Russia. Don’t you think the top title would heap pressure on you in Rio?
A: I will partake in 2016 Olympics and Paralympics, and these honors will undoubtedly make it tougher for me. However, I am determined to shine in the upcoming events.
Q: Who will be your archrivals in Olympics?
A: I think every Olympic participant is the best. They had gained many medals and seek to shine in Rio Games. Participating in the Olympics is a unique opportunity for every athlete. My main rivals are usually from South Korea, China and the US. But an unknown archer may scoop medals thanks to good preparations. I think every athlete is my rival and I hope to beat them.
Q: How is your preparation going for the Games?
A: I train to improve my archery skills in the morning and I work out in the gym. I will be fully prepared for the Games.
Q: It is a real possibility that you will carry the country’s flag for the Rio Games. How do you feel as a woman if it will happen?
A: Some years ago, no one could predict that an Iranian woman will be able to star in an international arena. Many international events didn’t allow Iranian women to wear hijab but thanks to the officials' support the issue was settled. Some Iranian and international experts designed suitable kits. I think we can be a role model for Islamic countries. I am optimistic about Iranian women’s performance, seeing a bright future for them.
Q: And your last words…
A: I hope my performance in the prestigious international events will motivate the handicapped people to fight for their dreams.
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