Soulmaz Abbasiazad - Iran

ⓒJun-ki Hong

1.How long have you been rowing?

I’ve been rowing for 3 and a half years. I used to canoe in the slalom team but because there was no coach I transferred to the rowing. It’s so much nicer to be on flat water…..

2.How old are you? How tall are you and how heavy?

I am 28 years old, 174cm tall and 60kg.

3.What are your aims for the Asian Olympic Qualification Regatta here in Chungju?

I hope to qualify.

4.Where do you hope to finish at the Olympics in London?

I would like to make the A final.

5.Who is your sporting hero?

Mahe Drysdale – I like his racing finish!

6.What is your best position at the world championships?

3rd at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangjo in the quad.

7.Will you continue after London 2012?

Maybe.

8.Are you married?

No.

9.What do you think of the course and camp in South Korea?

It is very good.

10.How do you find the food here?

I like the food as well.

11.Is rowing in Iran growing?

It is becoming more popular yes.

12.Do you get support from government?

We are supported by the federation.

13.Does anyone in the Iranian team work outside of rowing?

No we are all full time athletes.

14.What do you like to do in your free time?

Sleep!

15.What do you think helps make you a successful rower?

Practice hard!

16.What are facilities like where you train?

They are ok we don’t have a 2km course and the lake we train on is only 1000m long. We usually train
in Teheran but go on training camps to other parts of Iran where the accommodation and food can vary
greatly.

17.How many people row in Iran?

There are 3-4 clubs in Iran with less than 100 rowers. The National team is based in Anzalee in the north of Iran.

18.What’s your message for all the Asian countries competing here in Chungju?

I hope they are successful and enjoy the rowing making them strong and healthy.
[Source] ARF - http://www.arfrowing.org/bbs/board.php?bo_table=B17&wr_id=17