Athlete file · No. 022
AZARBAYJANI
SAEED
- Born
- 1975
- Hometown
- Toronto
- Province
- ON
- Weight
- 60kg
- Style
- freestyle
- Status
- OLYMPIAN
Results
Record
| Year | Event | Weight | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Jeux olympiques de Pékin | 60kg | 10e |
| 2006 | Championnats panaméricains | 60kg | Or |
Biography
Saeed Azarbayjani embodies the political-refugee-turned-Olympian-and-head-coach journey. Born January 17, 1975 in Iran, Azarbayjani immigrated to Canada in 1995 seeking a new life after a difficult political context. He began his wrestling career in Canada and quickly built a reputation at 60 kg freestyle.
A competitor at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in 60 kg freestyle, Azarbayjani finished tenth — a remarkable result given the challenges facing an immigrant wrestler. Ahead of his Olympic qualification he achieved the feat of defeating three-time Olympian and 2001 World Champion Gia Sissaouri three times to secure his ticket to the Games. In parallel, he won gold at the 2006 Pan American Championships.
After his competitive career, Azarbayjani became head coach of the wrestling program at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) in 2014. He has since worked as a coach at national training camps, contributing to the development of the next generation. His legacy reflects the contribution of immigrants to Canadian sporting excellence.