Refugee Iranian canoeist is now making her debut for Austria

“That means a lot to me,” said Soltani in response to an APA request. “It’s not only a new chapter in my career, but also a very emotional moment after everything I’ve been through.” She feels proud and grateful and is very motivated. “I want to take advantage of this opportunity.” It starts at the World Cup from Friday to Sunday in Szeged, where she will compete in the kayak single sculls over 200, 500, 1,000 and 5,000 m. The reason for four entries is also the start of Olympic qualification in Hungary for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

More than two years before the event, this is very early, but it is based on a new system. In races like those in the World Cup, points are collected for the national association; in 2028, part of the allocation of quota places will be based on this ranking. Of course, there will still be direct quota places via world championships, and the remaining quota regatta is also planned as a last chance. Soltani is currently a red-white-red solo entertainer at the highest level, just like Timon Maurer, who is also competing in Szeged (500, 1,000, 5,000 m), among the men.

The 2028 Olympics is a big goal

In any case, Soltani is determined to make it to her second games. “That’s the big goal. First the priority is qualification, and then anything is possible.” The 29-year-old still has her dream of winning a medal in the colors of her new home: “I really believe it is possible. But it requires support, full commitment, consistency and continuous improvement. At this level the differences are very small, every detail counts.” She is ready to invest everything for her goal. “It’s now about the next step.”

Her preparation for the season went very well with the work on a strong physical and mental basis. “I had very good results in the performance tests.” Victories in all disciplines within Austria would have given her a lot of self-confidence. Participation in the final at an international regatta in Milan showed her that she was on the right path. As a test and challenge for body and mind, Soltani completed her first 70.3 Ironman in the fall. “It helped me a lot to learn to push my limits.”

Progress is more important than results

In Szeged and throughout the rest of the season, steady progress is more important to her than achieving top results. She also won’t let herself be put under pressure by the fact that after resignations like those of Roxana Lehaci and Viktoria Schwarz in her sport, the hopes in red-white-red are now more heavily placed on her. “I see it more as motivation. Everyone has their own path. I respect what they have achieved, but I focus on my own path. I don’t want to compare myself, but I want to raise my level and develop further.”

The war in Iran, in which she lived for 25 years, is of course a burden on her. “It’s very hard and a challenging time.” Because of this, she has trouble sleeping, which affects her recovery. “It’s not easy and requires a lot of mental strength,” said Soltani. “But as an athlete, I learned how to stay focused and put my energy into my performance.” She doesn’t want to leave it to chance: “It took years of faith, discipline and resilience for me to become an Austrian athlete. Every step has shaped me.”