OLYMPIC SERIES Episode 3 | The Journey of Hadi Tiranvalipour: Fighting for More [TEAM REFUGEE]

“For any goals there are obstacles, but you will find the solution when you stop giving your excuses”Hadi Tiranvalipour

In this compelling episode of The Professor P Podcast’s Olympian Series, we sit down with Hadi Tiranvalipour, a taekwondo athlete who has fought not just in the ring, but also through incredible life challenges to reach the Olympic stage. As a member of the Refugee Olympic Team, Hadi’s journey is about much more than sport—it’s about resilience, hope, and the pursuit of a dream despite overwhelming odds.

Taekwondo is known for its precision, strategy, and discipline, but what does it take to step onto the mat at the world’s biggest competition when your path has been anything but ordinary? We’ll explore the mindset of a fighter, the emotional and physical battles he has faced, and what his journey can teach us about perseverance in all areas of life.

Join us as we break down the fight beyond the fight—where strength isn’t just about power, but about the will to keep going.

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Hadi Tiranvalipour is an Iranian-born taekwondo athlete whose journey from national champion to Olympic refugee competitor is a testament to resilience and determination. Born on March 21, 1998, in Karaj, Iran, Hadi was inspired by Olympic gold medalist Hadi Saei and joined the Iranian national taekwondo team, where he competed for eight years, earning multiple national and international accolades. 

In 2022, after advocating for women's rights in Iran, Hadi was compelled to leave his homeland. Arriving in Italy, he faced significant hardships, including spending his first ten days living in a forest and subsequent months couch-surfing and working as a dishwasher. Undeterred, he reached out to the Italian Taekwondo Federation, which welcomed him, allowing him to train with the national team at the Giulio Onesti Olympic Center in Rome. 

Hadi's perseverance led him to represent the IOC Refugee Olympic Team at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics in the men's 58kg taekwondo category. Although he did not secure a medal, his participation was a significant milestone, symbolizing hope and the unyielding spirit of displaced athletes worldwide.

Beyond his athletic pursuits, Hadi achieved academic success by earning a degree in Sports Science from the University of Tor Vergata in Rome. His story exemplifies the transformative power of sport and education in overcoming adversity. 

Today, Hadi Tiranvalipour stands as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that with unwavering determination, it's possible to rise above challenges and make a profound impact both on and off the mat.