Shahin Izadyar aims to make his Asian Para Games medal record untouchable

TEHRAN - Iranian para-swimmer Shahin Izadyar, the most decorated Paralympic swimmer in the country’s history, is determined to add to his record haul of 24 Asian Para Games medals at the upcoming Nagoya Games.

Izadyar is currently training in Mashhad as part of Iran’s 15th preparatory camp for the Games, which will run until Sept. 29. The Nagoya Asian Para Games are scheduled to begin on Oct. 19.

Speaking to Tehran Times, Izadyar said he is in good shape and focused on delivering strong performances in Nagoya.

“I am doing everything I can to achieve the best results within my ability. I am preparing well and hope to return home with good results,” he said.

Izadyar made history at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, winning an extraordinary six gold medals and one silver. At the Hangzhou edition, however, he collected two silver and three bronze medals.

The Iranian star stressed that his performance in Hangzhou should not be viewed as a failure.

“Winning those medals was valuable in itself,” Izadyar said. “If we consider that performance a failure, we should remember that Michael Phelps once won eight gold medals at a single Olympic Games. It was never expected that such a level of success would be repeated at every edition.”

With competition in para-swimming often decided by fractions of a second, Izadyar knows that medals cannot be guaranteed.

“Winning a medal cannot be predicted, especially in swimming, where hundredths of a second can make the difference,” he said. “Nevertheless, I will give everything I have to stand on the podium.”

The veteran para-swimmer now has one clear objective in Nagoya: to return home with more medals and make his record of 24 Asian Para Games medals even harder to surpass.