The Paris Olympics are only a week away, and for athletes around the world it is an opportunity to put years of hard work to the test on the biggest stage.
It is a golden chance for Jamal Valizadeh as well, but not just to excel in his discipline. The wrestler is out to show that adversity has not diminished his hunger, having fled the Iranian regime a decade back.
Valizadeh was national-level wrestler and a youth champion in Greco-Roman wrestling in his homeland. But he was forced to flee Iran in search of better life, leaving his family and friends behind.
In 2014, he landed in Turkey where he had to work 16 hours a day for barely enough money to make ends meet. But he endured the pain as he had to continue his journey in search of a better life.
After months of hardship, Valizadeh took the decision to undertake the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean Sea by boat in the middle of winter.
During the journey, the vessel he was on began to sink, forcing him overboard. He had to swim the remaining few hundred metres.
He somehow landed in France safe, but with nothing to survive on. In 2016, he applied for refugee status and it was granted a few months later.
Valizadeh started his life from scratch. He was a champion in Iran in the under 55kg category for three consecutive years, until 2013. And now, he could resume his dream of competing at international level.
Last year, after eight years out of the sport, he decided to pick wrestling up again.
“That decision changed my life,” Valizadeh told Olympics.com. “When I arrived in France, I didn't speak French and I didn't know anyone. I decided to find a wrestling club, and that helped me to learn French, and get back to a normal life.”
Valizadeh quickly picked up where he had left off. In May this year, he was named in the Olympic Refugee Team for Paris 2024 and will compete in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Today, the 33 year old trains with the French national team for up to 13 sessions a week, while studying for a master's degree in computer science.
"I’m trying hard to make up for lost time as all the other wrestlers have been training for the past 10 years," he says.
Valizadeh has been competing in major competitions in places like Istanbul and Belgrade, making him reflect on how far he has come since his battle for survival.
“One day I was there [Turkey] as a refugee, but now I'm going there to try and qualify for an Olympic Games. Going back was really hard for me as I was in such a dark place when I was last there. But I’m so proud of where I am now.”
Valizadeh knows he has to give it his all, not just for all the sacrifices he has made, but also for the millions of refugees all across the world. He is one of the 37-member refugee team at the Paris Games, 14 of whom are from Iran.
"My message to other refugees is to never lose hope. Just continue to follow your dreams because everything is possible,” he said.
"We say that because the world is round, one day you can be at the lowest point, but the next day you can pass at the same point but you are literally on top of the world. It’s exactly like this for me in my life.
"One day I was there with nothing, helpless. But just years later, I was fighting for a place at the Olympic Games. Everyone can achieve their dreams, too.”
Olympic Refugee Team athletes
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Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
The biog
Hometown: Birchgrove, Sydney Australia
Age: 59
Favourite TV series: Outlander Netflix series
Favourite place in the UAE: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque / desert / Louvre Abu Dhabi
Favourite book: Father of our Nation: Collected Quotes of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Thing you will miss most about the UAE: My friends and family, Formula 1, having Friday's off, desert adventures, and Arabic culture and people
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
Under 19 World Cup
Group A: India, Japan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
Group B: Australia, England, Nigeria, West Indies
Group C: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Scotland, Zimbabwe
Group D: Afghanistan, Canada, South Africa, UAE
UAE fixtures
Saturday, January 18, v Canada
Wednesday, January 22, v Afghanistan
Saturday, January 25, v South Africa
Essentials
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct from the UAE to Los Angeles, from Dh4,975 return, including taxes. The flight time is 16 hours. Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Aeromexico and Southwest all fly direct from Los Angeles to San Jose del Cabo from Dh1,243 return, including taxes. The flight time is two-and-a-half hours.
The trip
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic’s eight-day Whales Wilderness itinerary costs from US$6,190 (Dh22,736) per person, twin share, including meals, accommodation and excursions, with departures in March and April 2018.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg
Roma 4
Milner (15' OG), Dzeko (52'), Nainggolan (86', 90 4')
Liverpool 2
Mane (9'), Wijnaldum (25')
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
