AGAINST THE CURRENT – From Iran to Germany and the Olympics

  • This book weaves together an athlete's journey with a migration story.

A life story filled with solidarity, assistance, and courage.

In Persian, "Saeid" means happiness, and the 31-year-old canoeist Saeid Fazloula has often experienced happiness in his life. Threatened with death, he arrived in Germany in a spectacular way in 2016 and settled in Karlsruhe. He began competing in international canoe races for Iran at a young age and will represent Germany at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. In his book, Saeid shares his experiences of repression in his home country, his perilous journey to Germany, the warm reception he received, as well as the challenges he faced in his new environment. He also discusses his love for canoe racing and the issues surrounding his nomination for the Tokyo Olympics. 

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  • Publisher: Rowohlt Polaris
  • Release: 18.06.2024
  • ISBN: 978-3-499-01481-9
  • 240 Pages
  • Author: Saeid Fazloula
  • Contributed by: Taufig Khalil

Please be advised that the book cover may be used in its original design only. Details and distortions are not permitted under copyright law.

AGAINST THE CURRENT – From Iran to Germany and the Olympics
Saeid Fazloula AGAINST THE CURRENT – From Iran to Germany and the Olympics
Helge Prang/GES-Sportfoto
© Helge Prang/GES-Sportfoto
Saeid Fazloula

Saeid Fazloula , born in 1992, is an Iranian canoeist. He represented the Refugee Olympic Team in the men's K-1 1000-meter event at the 2020 Summer Olympics. After receiving several threats, Fazloula decided to flee his country in 2015 to find a safer place. He now trains and lives in Germany. His sport, club, coach, and training group helped him settle in and start a new life. He will compete for Germany at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.