Iranian skier basks in warm glow of Games

TEHERAN - Despite ranking bottom in the women's banked slalom SB-LL2 event at the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics, Iranian para-snowboarder Sedigheh Rouzbeh still thoroughly enjoyed her experience at the Games.

"For an athlete, particularly for those from Iran, where there are not many facilities and infrastructure for skiing, my mere presence at the Winter Paralympic Games was very valuable," Rouzbeh said after staying in China for roughly two weeks.

When she crossed the finish line, spectators applauded her for not giving up. In addition to the cheers, Rouzbeh said she received "very positive and inspiring comments and feedback".

"The warm and friendly atmosphere pervading the athletes' interactions with each other was also very pleasant to me," she said.

According to Rouzbeh, athletes from different parts of the world constantly encouraged each other and sought to lift one another's spirits.

"They know that competing is not the sole target of the Paralympics, but creating a friendly atmosphere and environment, promoting friendship among nations and regions and making the world a place where everyone lives peacefully," she said.

"I really feel that the Paralympians successfully fulfilled the mission of the Paralympic Games," she said, adding that they "simultaneously sought to achieve their goals and make each other feel good".

Rouzbeh was also impressed by China's hosting abilities－in particular the closed-loop system implemented to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

"If organizers had shown an iota of weakness in that regard, the virus could have spread in the village and infected everyone. However, that did not happen thanks to China's effective management," she said.

Xinhua