“Medals bring so much joy to a professional athlete,” continued the 39-year-old. “However, helping people, and activism as a symbol in the community can yield more impact among the people of our communities.”
Nemati’s most recent major result came at the Asian Para Games last year, where she won, but her goal in Paris is to make major change, influencing international decision-makers across the sports world.
Ultimately, she wants to see the same support for Olympic sports brought to the Paralympic realm.
“Athletes should be placed at the heart of all sport organisations; in fact, they are the beating heart of Paralympic movement,” she said.
Nemati has not ruled out a return to the competition scene, including for the next Paralympic Games, LA 2028. But for now, she’s competing off the shooting line, for a target much greater.
“In my opinion, winning medals in not the sole purpose of sport,” she said.
“Nowadays, and through these years, we have witnessed that social impacts of athletes in Olympic and Paralympic Games have been enormous.
It is now Nemati’s turn to create those ‘enormous’ ripples for positive change in Paris.
