Interview
An interview with Leila Rajabi in Shirzanan
My aim is Olympic Berth not the medal
Shirzanan: Reza Shiri /translated by Roja Najafi: At what time that no Iranian woman in athletics has ever passed the Olympic qualifications yet, this year the Track and Field federation has hope in gaining Olympic berth for women athletics.
This hope is because of Leila Rajabi, the Belarusian athlete and Europe silver medalist in Shot putting and the holder of youth fifth place in the world, who has recently accepted Iranian citizenship and joined Iran women’s national athletics team. Leila Rajabi who is in recovery from a hand injury that caused her to miss two Olympic qualification games in Thailand and Vietnam, is still hoping to win her Olympic berth.
What caused you hand injury? You missed the Thailand games because of it; do you think you can still get an Olympic berth?
I was supposed to attend the Thailand competitions, but my hand got injured and the team medical doctor thinks I should skip this competitions. I will try my best to pass the qualifications. I have a couple of tournaments ahead, which gives me the chance to get to Olympics.
You of course know that this is the first year that Iran has three women as Olympic qualifiers and if you get qualified you will be the first Iranian women who get qualified in athletics; If you win the qualifications do you thing you can win an Olympic medal?
I will try my best, but I cannot promises anything. Olympic game is one of the toughest competitions. One needs to have a very good record in order to get a medal.
Your record is about 17 meters do you have any chance?
Well in Olympics to get a medal in Shot Putting you need to have a record better that 19, 20 meters. My official record is close to 17 meter; of course in my practices I have hurled up to 19 meters. I will try for medal but I cannot promise.
What has kept Iranian women from getting to Olympic in athletics?
I think mostly their lack of experience in international competitions as well as a narrow knowledge of some of the coaches are the main causes.
hat about the equipment and facilities? They are very important in producing professional body of athletes?
as a matter of fact and fortunately Iran has a very good place in terms of equipment in track and field. Iran’s basic equipment is in good shape and there is no problem in this regard.
I think if we start educating and training good coaches and keep participating in international competitions to gain more experience soon women’s athletics will get in a better shape.
Do you think there is anyone else apart from you who has the chance of getting qualified for the Olympics in athletics?
In men athletics yes there is a huge chance of getting Olympic qualification. And women’s team has the chance if they use all their abilities.
