Interview
The champion of Iran women’s skating league
Practicing in Parking lots, competing in worldwide competitions
Shirzanan – Shabnam Shakourian: “I was against Fatemeh’s skating, but she loved it. the equipment was very expensive and Fatemeh didn’t have enough money to buy them. She was only 13. She had some savings, she invested them and it paid back. She could buy her skating equipment. She start training other people and when we saw she really loves skating we supported her.” Fatemeh’s mother tells us these.
Her 18 years old dauther is a member of Iran women’s national skating team. Fatemeh got to the sixth place in china’s speed skating in 500meter singles. Fatemeh’s mother is a very kind woman. Although she admits herself that she was against Fatmeh’s skating at the beginning, Fatemeh says her mother is her most loyal fan. Fatemeh complains that there is no standard skating piste. But she is hopeful to get qualified for London Olympics.
How come you got attracted to skating?
I saw other people playing it in the park and I liked it. I played a lot in the streets but after I had an accident I stopped. It wasn’t a serious accident though.
weren’t you scared?
Yes, but my mother encouraged me.
people didn’t bother you in street when you were roller-skating?
They did. But they always do it. It is inevitable. I got upset at the beginning but then I didn’t make any attention and I was more comfortable.
What was your first experience in a national competition?
In Kashan 1000 meter race I was among the highest scores and I could get into the national roller-skating team. 35 people were chosen. After three months of practicing 6 people were chosen for the team.
you athletic outfit is different from other athletes, how do people react to it in international races?
In Asian competitions it is normal for people. But in the world competitions, European and American bothered us a lot.
Did they tease you?
No, but our outfit loose-fitting and they would push us around in the track.
How is our technical level?
We have a piste problem. We should practice 3 days a week in the piste and three days a week in the road. But we don’t have a single piste in Tehran. Sanandaj, my hometown, has a better situation; we have pistes but they are not standard.
How are your coaches? Last year the team had a Italian coach, what happened?
We have a coach but not in international level. Foreign coaches cannot work with our conditions. We don’t have a piste and there is a problem of women and men’s team. Boys and girls should practice separately.
How about referees? Do we have any international level referees?
We have one international referee, Mr. Honarjoo. But no female referees in international level.
how do you feel about your championship in the national league?
I practice a lot. I study at home and I practice most of my time. I am a member of Sainai club in Kordestan and we have good conditions there. Some clubs pay a salary but not Sainai club.
What about other sports?
I was invited to the track and field running team for 800 and 1500 meters. Two years ago. I didn’t accepted then but I changed my mind and I decided to go now.
What do you wish for in sports?
I like to go to Olympics.
