Paris 2024 Olympics: Refugee canoeist Amir Rezanejad Hassanjani eliminated in heats but realises life-long dream
Amir Rezanejad Hassanjani punched the air as he finished his first canoe slalom run at Paris 2024. He did not advance to the semi-finals at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, but his participation alone was a victory for the IOC Refugee Olympic Team athlete.
Hassanjani was one of the first canoeists out on the course and the nerves of reaching his first Olympic Games no doubt affected his performance.
The 24-year-old posted the second-slowest time of the first run after conceding three penalties adding six seconds to his time. Hassanjani could not improve on his first-run effort and gave a shy wave to the supporters as he finished his Olympic debut with his head held high.
Only the 16 fastest paddlers after both runs qualified for the semi-final with Frenchman Nicolas Gestin reaching the next round as the fastest qualifier. The semi-finals and final will take place on Monday 29 July.
Hassanjani fled his homeland in 2020, traversing mountains for 16 days into Türkiye before seeking refuge in Germany, where he finally settled in Augsburg.
After a few years away from competitive paddling, Hassanjani finally returned to the water in 2022 before he started racing again in 2023 which would ultimately lead him to the Games.
Hassanjani, who first picked up the paddles when he was seven, started his international career in 2015 and represented his nation at the 2017 ICF World Championships.
“I will try to enjoy the Games; I want to make my mother proud of me, and my sister,” Hassanjani told Olympics.com ahead of Paris 2024.
“I want the people who helped me in Germany to be happy, especially the canoeing club in Augsburg, they are like family to me.
“They should feel that it was worth it supporting me.”