Paris 2024 Olympics: Dreams come true for IOC Refugee Olympic Team athletes on Day 2
Mohammad Rashnonezhad realised his childhood dream of competing at the Oympic Games on Day 2 of the judo competition at Paris 2024 on Sunday (28 July) at the Champ-de-Mars Arena.
The IOC Refugee Olympic Team athlete, the first of the six judokas from his team to step on the tatami, was eliminated with three penalties against home favouite Walide Khyar in their men’s -66kg bout.
But while he may have been disappointed with the result, the Olympic experience has strengthened his resolve to spread the ‘message of peace and love’.
“My opponent was really good,” said Dutch-based Rashnonezhad. "He’s a good judoka. It was difficult [facing a French opponent] here in France, as it made it harder.”
Despite his early exit, Rashnonezhad continues to carry the message of hope that he and his 36 teammates from the IOC Refugee Olympic Team send on behalf of more than 100 million displaced people around the world.
“Our message to all countries and the world is peace and love.”
The 28-year-old will return to the mat for the mixed team event.
Elsewhere on Sunday, Luna Solomon was in action over at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre.
She lined up for the women’s 10m air rifle qualifiers, which were topped by 16-year-old Hyojin Ban from the Republic of Korea with 634.5 points. Solomon totalled 601.2 to rank 43.
At the North Paris Arena, Omid Ahmadisafa lost on unanimous points to American boxer Roscoe Hill in their men's preliminary 51kg bout.