Nemati nominated for IPC’s September 2017 athlete of the month

Zahra Nemati united the Paralympic and world titles with victory at the 2017 World Archery Para Championships in Beijing, China, reclaiming the world title she last won in Bangkok in 2013.

Shortly before her individual gold medal match at the event, the Iranian recurve archer also won world championship bronze in the mixed team open with countryman Pouriya Jalalipour.

The public has until Wednesday 11 October to vote for the International Paralympic Committee’s Allianz Athlete of the Month for September 2017.

Visit the IPC website toCast your vote now

Two-time Paralympic Champion Nemati has made a name for herself as a successful archer and rolemodel for women’s empowerment through sport. She won the hearts of the local crowd in Rio in 2016, competing in both the Olympics and Paralympics, and won gold at the Paralympic Games for a second consecutive time.

She was winner of the Bangkok 2013 World Archery Para Championships, but did not compete at Donaueschingen 2015.

At London 2012, Zahra made history, becoming the first Iranian woman to win gold at either Games.

Nemati’s amazing story, from taekwondo champion to archery double gold medallist, spread much further around the world in 2016, when being chosen to carry the flag for Iran in the Olympic opening ceremony. The Brazilian crowd chanted her name whenever she appeared at the Paralympic competition.

She has worked to encourage women in Iran, especially those with disabilities. to participate in sport.

The United Nations hailed her as an Ambassador for women with disabilities for her contribution to empowering women in sport and she addressed a UN committee in New York in June 2014.

The nominations for the Allianz Athlete of the Month are compiled from submissions by National Paralympic Committees and international federations.