Ehsan Haddadi (Persian: احسان حدادی; born 24 January 1985) is an Iranian track and field athlete who specializes in the discus throw. He is the first Iranian athlete to win an Olympic medal in a field event, securing a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Haddadi also holds the Asian record for the discus throw.
Early life and education
Haddadi was born in Tehran, Iran. He began training in athletics at a young age and later attended the University of Tehran, where he studied physical education.
Athletic career
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2007–2009: Haddadi emerged on the international stage, winning the gold medal at the 2007 Asian Athletics Championships in Amman and setting an Asian record of 66.64 m at the 2008 Asian Grand Prix in Osaka. He represented Iran at the 2008 Beijing Olympics but did not advance to the final.
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2010: He secured the gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou with a throw of 66.67 m, improving his Asian record.
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2011: Haddadi claimed the title at the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, becoming the first Iranian to win a World Championship medal (silver) in a field event.
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2012: At the London Olympic Games, Haddadi threw 68.18 m in the final, earning the silver medal behind Germany’s Robert Harting. This performance set a new Asian record at the time.
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2013–2016: He continued to compete internationally, winning multiple Asian Championships and representing Iran at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where he placed 12th in the final.
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2017–2021: Haddadi maintained his dominance in Asian competitions, securing gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. He qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021) but did not make the final.
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2022–present: Haddadi remains active in the sport, participating in various international meets and serving as a mentor for younger Iranian discus throwers.
Personal bests
- Discus throw: 69.32 m (achieved on 12 June 2012 in Tehran) – Asian record.
Awards and honors
- Olympic Silver Medalist (2012)
- Asian Games Gold Medalist (2010, 2018)
- Asian Athletics Championships Gold Medalist (multiple editions)
- Member of the Iranian National Sports Hall of Fame (inducted 2020)
Legacy
Ehsan Haddadi is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in Iranian athletics, elevating the profile of field events in a nation traditionally known for strength in wrestling, weightlifting, and distance running. His achievements have contributed to increased participation and investment in track and field disciplines within Iran.
