Interview
Shirzanan’s Interview with two of Iran’s F- athletes in Olympics
Iran’s public TV could have covered women’s competitions
Shirzanan- translated by Roja Najafi: Three sportswomen from Iran in Beijing Olympics is a great start for women’s sports in Iran. This is a phone interview with Homa Hosseini (rower) and Najmeh Abtin (archer) are the two national team members and two of the three Iranian female Olympians.
Homa, you were holding Iran’s banner in Olympics opening ceremony, what was your feeling then?
Homa: That was most beautiful moment of my life. I was a member of Iran’s athletic caravan and this is a great feeling on its own. From many countries people congratulated me and took photos with me. the flag was really heavy and I really couldn’t wave it very well.
It was the first Olympics for both of you, how was it different form other competitions?
H:It was really different from all other competitions; it even differs from world championships. But I believe Olympics is not the best place for gaining the basic experiences, you should come here experienced. People who were second and third time Olympians were in another level compare to me.
Najmeh:Olympic games are really important, you compete with world’s legends; I think I gained many valuable experiences of course I did not won any medals.
Najmeh, what happened that you could not keep up with your own record?
N: Unfortunately I couldn’t do as well as I can because my hand was injured. If I had kept with my own records, I would have been in 4oth level.
Many believe that if you have your Koran coach with you it would make a difference?
N: Yes, by sure it would have been very good for the team if he could come, but there were some complications.
Homa, I heard that you had some physical difficulties, as well?
H: Yes, the humidity disturbed me and I got skin sensitivity.
Did your hijiab bothered you in any way?
H: No, I was different from everyone else and I wasn’t upset about it.
N: No, my outfit was not that different from other archers: I always practice in these outfits, so I am used to it.
How do your families think about your performances?
N: My family was happy for me; they did not expect a medal from me. They were following the news from Olympics,
H: My parents are very supportive, they were just happy that I am going to Olympics. My family followed the news but it would have been much easier if the TV were broadcasting our matches. I understand that it is difficult to show rowing because of the other athlete’s outfits but they could have shown it from far.
