TEHRAN - Ali Labib, Iranian cyclist who competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics, is now setting his sights on even greater achievements. Despite finishing 76th out of 77 competitors, Labib's participation in the prestigious event marked a significant milestone for Iranian cycling.

In an interview with Tehran Times, Labib emphasized that his Olympic experience was just the beginning of his journey.

“The 2024 Olympics is just the start for me,” he said. “I'm determined to use this experience to reach new heights in the world of cycling.”

It had been 16 years since an Iranian cyclist had crossed the finish line in an Olympics road race. Labib's perseverance and determination to finish the race, even under immense physical strain, have earned him widespread praise in Iran.

“Paris was my first Olympics, and I'm only 21,” Labib said. “I stepped into the race at the peak of my fitness, and I fulfilled the challenge to finish the race after 16 years by an Iranian cyclist. It was an achievement for me.”

National Teams Committee of the Iran Cycling Federation introduced Ali Labib as the Iranian Olympic cyclist. After Labib's acceptable performance in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, followed by the bronze medal in the Kazakhstan Asian Championships, he was determined as the only cyclist of Iranian delegation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The young cyclist expressed gratitude for the support he received from the Iranian Cycling Federation, particularly its president. Labib also highlighted the impact of his Belgian coach, Jonathan Wiggins, who brought him to a professional level.

“Wiggins had a great influence on my career, and his knowledge of the sport has been invaluable,” Labib said.

Labib's journey to the Olympics has been challenging, but he remains optimistic about the future. He is set to compete in the World Championships in Switzerland later this year and aims to use this experience to build on his success. “I'm not satisfied with this result. I know there is a long way to go,” he concluded.