Ali Baghbanbashi

Two-time Olympian, Iran's first Asian Games champion. Distance legend. 

Started athletics in military as a punishment! In 1945, his commander punished him but he looking tirelessly good. Then selected to Army team and breaks 5000m national record by 10 seconds at the very first "official" race.

He won 5000 metres gold in 1951 Asian Games, which is first ever gold medal for Iranian Athletics in any kind of international championships. Baghbanbashi also finished third in 3000m steeplechase.

Baghbanbashi became first Iranian athlete to compete at the Olympics in 1952. He attended 5000m and steeplechase but did not qualify for final. Four years later, Iranian athlete had start in marathon in Melbourne Olympics, but did not finish the race.

Back to Asian Games in seven years, Baghbanbashi contested three races in Tokyo 1958; won two bronze medals both 5000m and 10,000 metres. He also finished fifth in steeplechase meanwhile couldn't be competed in marathon.

Ali Baghbanbashi is still one of three Iranian athletes who had four or more Asian Games podium in history alongside throwing legends Djalal Ali Kashmiri and Ehsan Hadadi.

TRIVIA
♦ Born and grew up in a small village in Torqabeh near Mashhad. He started to work in Mashhad, sometimes ran between both cities to seeing his parents. (Jadid Online, ITW - 1 Feb 2010)
♦ Coached by Ahmed Ezadpanah, considered father of Iranian athletics.
♦ In 1972, he was sent to New York by Iranian Shah Reza Pehlevi for treatment after serious accident at his garden which could be caused serious damage. His leg saved from the amputation.
♦ In April 2021, he was honourary guest of first International Iran Athletics Championships meet in Mashhad at age of 96.
♦ He collected 219 medals from all competitions in his long career.
♦ Won 29 Iranian titles. Never beaten in national level. (Not a confirmed information - Excerpt from his notes)
♦ He lit the torch in opening ceremony at 1974 Asian Games held in Tehran.

Text by S.F.Erbay - Athleticspodium.com