On February 27, 2025 the IWUF announced the results of the 2024 Athlete of the Year. Iranian wushu athlete Zahra Kiani has been honored as 2024 IWUF Wushu Taolu Athlete of the Year with 66,914 votes over 9 other candidates.
Zahra Kiani is one of Iran’s longtime top champions. She has been a member of the Iranian national wushu team for 17 years. She competed in three World Junior Wushu Championships in 2010, 2014, and 2016, winning a bronze medal, 2 silver medals, and 4 gold medals. She also won numerous gold, silver and bronze medals at the Asian junior wushu championships in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017. In 2015 she won a silver medal at the World Wushu Championships, in 2016 silver and bronze medals at the Taolu World Cup, a bronze medal in 2017 at the WWC, a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games, a bronze medal at the 2019 World Wushu Championships, a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games, a silver medal at the 2023 Combat Games, a gold medal and two silver medals at the 2024 BRICS Games, and 2 gold medals in 2024 at the International Wushu Invitational Tournament.
Her federation writes: “She is a well-known athlete and one of the prominent world champions. In 2015, she earned the first silver medal for an Iranian woman at the World Wushu Championships, marking a historic achievement. In 2018, she made history again by winning the first-ever medal for Iranian women in taolu at the Asian Games, achieving a silver medal that was also the first silver medal for both Iranian women's and men's taolu.
Additionally, in 2024, she won the first-ever gold medal for Iranian women and men in taolu at the Asian Wushu Championships.”
1. How do you feel about being recognized as the IWUF Wushu Taolu Athlete of the Year and gaining popularity with a global audience?
Zahra: I am truly thrilled and honored to receive this recognition. This achievement is one of the most exciting milestones in my career, made possible through the support of my compatriots, fans, and loved ones. It is not just a personal success – it holds immense value for me because I felt the encouragement and energy of my supporters throughout this journey.
2. How did it feel to win two gold medals at the International Wushu Invitational Tournament and two gold medals at the Asian Wushu Championships? How do you think these achievements contributed to your recognition as the Wushu Taolu Athlete of the Year?
Zahra: The year 2024 was filled with unforgettable moments in my sporting career. Winning two gold medals at the Asian Championships was the result of 17 years of dedication, not only from me but also from my family, the Wushu Federation, and my coaches. This victory marked a historic moment for Iranian Taolu, and I take great pride in knowing that I have helped open new doors for future athletes. Every achievement paves the way for others, and I am honored to serve as an inspiration for young women in my country.
3. How do you hope to contribute to the growth of wushu in Iran, across Asia, and globally? What is your vision for the future of wushu?
Zahra: I pursue Taolu with deep passion and dedication. At this stage of my career, my goal extends beyond winning medals. I want to showcase the beauty of Taolu to the world. I believe there are still many unexplored aspects of this discipline, and the more I learn, the more I realize its vastness. Taolu is not just a sport; it is an art with a soul.
I have worked hard to raise awareness about Taolu in Iran, particularly through social media, where I share its grace and technique. Moving forward, I am fully committed to elevating this sport and helping it gain the recognition it deserves. Taolu has given me so much, and I feel it is my responsibility to give back.
4. What are your wushu goals for 2025?
Zahra: My goal is to perform at my highest level and deliver a form that captivates and inspires spectators. I want every performance to be memorable and a true reflection of my dedication to the art of Taolu.
5. How do you hope to inspire the next generation of wushu practitioners?
Zahra: Through my achievements, I have paved a new path for aspiring athletes. I know that many young individuals now dream of standing where I am today, and that is an incredible feeling. I see this as a blessing and a responsibility to inspire and guide the next generation.
After my competitive career, I plan to dedicate myself to coaching young talents, sharing the knowledge and experiences I have gained over the past 17 years. My goal is to help more people discover the beauty of Taolu and continue its growth for years to come.
