Amir Rezanejad Hassanjani was sporting one of the biggest smiles in Vaires-sur-Marne when he came off the water.
The 24-year-old refugee paddler fulfilled his Olympic ambition – a dream he never thought was possible even three months ago.
“It is amazing,” said Rezanejad Hassanjani after completing two runs in the heats of the men’s canoe at Paris 2024.
“That was my first Olympic experience with this wonderful atmosphere.
“When you are at the start, you feel this amazing sound.
“There was a little bit of stress and nervousness but I think I did a good job and I’m satisfied.
“I was in a good mood and that was one of my best runs.”
It has been an incredible rise to the biggest stage in sport for Rezanejad Hassanjani who only made his International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Cup debut in May this year.
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His journey began four years ago when he walked for 16 days through the mountains which border Iran and Turkiye to seek refuge in Europe.
Rezanejad Hassanjani spent one year in Turkiye before moving to Augsburg in Germany which has become his home.
Before featuring on the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup circuit this year, Rezanejad Hassanjani’s previous taste of international action came in 2017 when he represented Iran at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships.
Having come so far in such a short space of time, Rezanejad Hassanjani wants to savour every moment of his Olympic experience and insisted there was no way that he was going to miss the Opening Ceremony.
“Maybe I should not be in the Opening Ceremony because I was racing the day after, but I couldn’t do that,” said Rezanejad Hassanjani.
“I was there, and it was amazing, really cool.
“I wanted to be there.
“They said that the refugee team was in the second boat and it was really good when you are there and you see all the people and they are shouting, making noise.”
Rezanejad Hassanjani hopes this Games will be a launchpad for his career as he targets a place at Los Angeles 2028 and beyond.
His immediate focus is on training for kayak cross which will make its Olympic debut on August 2.
“Here I feel the progress from last year,” said Rezanejad Hassanjani.
“I am looking forward in my career.
“It could be one time in the semifinal and final and have a better performance than this Olympic Games.
“I experienced my first World Cup just in the last two months in Augsburg, my city.
“When you feel your first World Cup, then after your second and then you are in the Olympic Games, it is hard to keep your mind and performance.
“I think I will keep going and we will see in four years.”
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