Society
First Muslim Olympic gold medalist dies at 94
Iranians honor Emam-Ali Habibi, their first Olympic wrestling gold medalist, following his death last month at age 94.
![Emam-Ali Habibi, Iran’s first Olympic gold medalist, passed away in Mazandaran Province on August 25. [Tehran Times]](/gc3/images/2025/09/19/51961-5650403-370_237.webp)
By Pishtaz |
Iran’s sporting community is mourning the loss of Emam-Ali Habibi, a legendary wrestler whose achievements ushered in a new era for Iranian athletics.
Habibi passed away on August 24 in Mazandaran Province, Iran, at the age of 94, after a long illness.
Born in 1931 in the village of Darzikolay Akhoondi near Babol city, Habibi began wrestling at a young age.
After moving to Qaemshahr, he honed his skills and quickly rose to prominence in the Iranian wrestling scene during the 1950s.
His rapid ascent was fueled by a relentless work ethic and an innovative style on the mat, qualities that would define his international career.
His crowning achievement came at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, where he became the first Iranian and Muslim athlete to win Olympic gold.
Victorious in the 67kg freestyle final, Habibi earned the enduring nickname "Tiger of Mazandaran," a testament to his fierce style and regional pride.
He went on to make history at the World Wrestling Championships, claiming three gold medals consecutively in 1959 (73kg), 1961, and 1962 (78kg).
At the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo, Habibi added another gold medal to his collection, solidifying his status as one of Iran’s most decorated athletes.
He returned to the Olympic stage in Rome in 1960, finishing fourth.
Beyond the mat
Apart from his professional wrestling career, Habibi made significant contributions to Iranian sports and society.
Following his retirement from competition, he dedicated himself to coaching and mentoring young wrestlers, passing on his expertise and unique techniques.
He also served in the Iranian Parliament, demonstrating a commitment to civic life and the promotion of athletics and youth development.
Habibi’s influence extended into cinema and popular culture, with appearances in several Iranian films, while he continued to advocate for emerging wrestling talents and expressed enduring loyalty to his homeland, despite offers to coach abroad.
His passing drew widespread condolences from sports officials and fellow wrestlers in Iran and internationally.
Champions including Rasoul Khadem, Hassan Yazdani, Ghasem Rezaei, and Amirhossein Zare attended his funeral in Babol city, Mazandaran, honoring one of the most dominant wrestlers in the history of the sport.