15 Inspiring Facts About Kimia Alizadeh: From Olympic Glory to Defying Limits
1. Made History at the 2016 Rio Olympics
Kimia became the first Iranian woman to win an Olympic medal, earning a bronze in taekwondo. Her victory broke barriers in a country where female athletes face significant restrictions.
2. Youth Olympic Champion
At the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games, Kimia captured gold in the 63-kg taekwondo category, cementing her position as a rising star in the sport.
3. Overcame Olympic Gold Medalist
In 2015, Kimia defeated Jade Jones, a two-time Olympic champion, at the World Taekwondo Championships, demonstrating her exceptional skills and determination.
4. BBC Recognized Her Global Impact
In 2019, Kimia was listed among the BBC’s “100 Most Influential Women,” highlighting her influence beyond athletics.
5. Defection from Iran for Freedom
Kimia made headlines worldwide in 2020 when she defected from Iran. She spoke out against the oppressive treatment of women in sports and society, saying, “I am one of the millions of oppressed women in Iran.”
November 23, 2024 | 9:47 pm