Interview
Iran’s female Inline roller skater
Asia’s third and World’s eleventh
Shirzanan – translated by Roja Najafi: She is in second grade high school. When we talked she was extremely tired. She was in the middle of her final exams with only few hours left for her daily skating, but she didn’t want to miss the interview. Nesa Hassanzadeh is an honor student in biology major in high school. Three years ago she had her first performance in roller skating dance in Taiwan. She wore a traditional Iranian costume and she became third in Asia.
When did you first had your magical skating shoes?
I was 4. A friend and I were out shopping with our moms when we saw the shoes. We begged our parents to buy two pairs for us. They were expansive but our moms finally gave in.
When did you first go into a skating field?
The amusement park in Tehran had a field. I went with my mom. I had my first coach there. Then I changed my coach. She is Yassman Hejazy. I really like her. For two years I practiced both speed and inline roller-skating. Then she told me I have to choose one of the two because they have two very different techniques.
Which one did you like the best between speed and inline?
My family and I both like inline. It has performance qualities and my coach, Yasaman Hejazi also encouraged me to go to inline branch. I was 7 years old so I went to Group B rather than group A, where 16 years old are. But I learned very fast and moved up to group A. being with older and more skilled skaters helped me a lot.
I know that the standard skating salon has been available for a few years now. Where did you practice before that?
In Inghelab Club Gym people do more skate boarding and aggressive skating. At first I only practiced on asphalt, But little by little things got better. In the past 4,5 years we have had a standard field.
Have you ever competed in Speed Skating?
Yes many times. In our country inline skating for ladies is not so common yet.
Tell us about Taiwan’s competitions
It was three years ago. Yassaman Hejazi arranged it. I am in her debt. She is a Ice figure skater in America and she is up-to-date. After Taiwan I got 12 in Spain and 11th in Australia.
Why didn’t you go to Chinese Asian Cup?
The federation didn’t allow it. The reason was never made clear.
How was Australian competition?
It was last year. Two month to the competition while practicing I injured my leg. We went directly to hospital. The doctors all said I have to put my leg in the cast and forget about the competition. I was so upset. My mother didn’t let them to put a cast on my leg. She took me to other doctors but they all said the same thing. She didn’t give up.
She sent my file to a medical commission in France and they gave me a physiotherapy schedule. I could maintain my practices after a month of physical therapy. I got in shape and compeered. I got the 11th place.
