Nemati travelling Paris for fourth Paralympics – but not to compete

Para archery icon Zahra Nemati will be travelling to Paris for her fourth Paralympic Games – but not with her bow.

Nemati became the first Iranian athlete to win Paralympic (or Olympic) gold at London 2012, then successfully defended her title at Rio 2016 – where she also competed in the Olympics – and at Tokyo 2020, cementing her status as one of the sport’s greatest.

It was confirmed in June that Zahra would miss Paris due to ‘lack of physical and technical preparation’.

“I have been pursuing professional sport for about 15 years and this has been a period of stress and pressure,” said Nemati, explaining her decision. “Just participating in three consecutive Paralympic Games requires hard and steady training.”

“Physical and mental health come over medals and titles.”

But Zahra, who is known worldwide as a key speaker on the rights of women and people with disabilities, will still be travelling to Paris, having joined the International Paralympic Committee's athletes’ council in 2021.

And she believes this work off the shooting line is as important as her arrows on it.

“My flourishing achievements in international arenas have impacted lives, especially those of women in Iran,” she said. “I have come to know many male and female Paralympians, making me strive to share my outstanding experience with other athletes.”

“Medals bring so much joy to a professional athlete,” continued the 39-year-old. “However, helping people, and activism as a symbol in the community can yield more impact among the people of our communities.”

Nemati’s most recent major result came at the Asian Para Games last year, where she won, but her goal in Paris is to make major change, influencing international decision-makers across the sports world.

Ultimately, she wants to see the same support for Olympic sports brought to the Paralympic realm.

“Athletes should be placed at the heart of all sport organisations; in fact, they are the beating heart of Paralympic movement,” she said.

Nemati has not ruled out a return to the competition scene, including for the next Paralympic Games, LA 2028. But for now, she’s competing off the shooting line, for a target much greater.

“In my opinion, winning medals in not the sole purpose of sport,” she said.

“Nowadays, and through these years, we have witnessed that social impacts of athletes in Olympic and Paralympic Games have been enormous.

It is now Nemati’s turn to create those ‘enormous’ ripples for positive change in Paris.