Every time Iliya Nadernejad thinks about the moment he left home it hurts.
It was the hardest decision Nadernejad has had to make in his life as he fled Iran to seek refuge in Germany.
Nadernejad will now compete as an International Canoe Federation refugee athlete as he sets his sights on competing at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
“It means a lot to me to become an ICF refugee athlete,” said Nadernejad.
“It gives me the opportunity to continue where I had to stop in Iran.
“It’s a beautiful experience and a big chance for me.”
June 20 marks World Refugee Day which aims to shine a light on those, like Nadernejad, who have been forced to flee their homeland.
“World Refugee Day reminds me how many people around the world are forced to leave their homes because of war, persecution, or poverty,” said Nadernejad.
“It shows how important protection, humanity, and international solidarity are – and that fleeing is never a voluntary path.”
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Nadernejad has always been passionate about sport. At the age of five, his father taught him how to swim in the sea.
He was a talented swimmer and water polo player, competing for 10 years before making the switch to kayaking.
It was a move that pain off as he won two medals at the Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint Asian Championships – just eight months after starting the sport in 2018.
Nadernejad represented Iran at the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in 2019 – the same year he also featured at the ICF Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships.
However, Nadernejad’s life changed when he started demonstrating against the Government in Iran.
“I was at a demonstration in Iran, and videos of me were taken,” said Nadernejad.
“My parents and I immediately knew I had to leave the country before something happened to me.
“The people seen in those videos were being searched for and arrested.
“They even asked my parents about me.”
Nadernejad set off to Turkey on foot in 2019 before flying to Germany at the start of 2020 where he found his “second family”.
“The moment I left my home (was the hardest moment for me),” said Nadernejad.
“It feels like it was just yesterday.
“Leaving was easy, but every time I think about it, it hurts.
“I know that time will never come back – and I will never be 16 again.
“Germany has supported me a lot, especially by accepting me here.
“My canoe club is like a second family to me.
“They helped me learn German, make new friends, and even gave me a new boat.
“I’m really grateful for all the support and still remember my first day here very well.”
Nadernejad is one of 47 refugee athletes who are receiving Olympic Solidarity scholarships – a huge boost in his quest to compete at LA28.
“I really enjoyed taking part in the World Championships – in China and Romania in 2019 – and also the German Championships,” said Nadernejad.
“The level at the World Championships is very high, but you get your chance and see your results.
“At the same time, you meet new people – and that’s just as important and beautiful for me.
“My biggest goal is to take part in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“That’s my dream – and I’m working hard to keep improving until then.”
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