Javanmardidodmani: 3 things you didn’t know

Sareh Javanmardidodmani’s profile rose exponentially after she made history as Iran’s first ever female gold medallist in Paralympic shooting.

The 32-year-old won the P2 (women's 10m air pistol SH1) and P4 (mixed 50m pistol SH1) at Rio 2016 – all which have brought more attention. She shares how she copes with that, and more:

1. “My absolute favourite thing to do in my free time is to read. I try to read as many books as possible, as I feel reading helps me to increase concentration – in everyday situations as well as in shooting. It also aids in keeping the stress of the competition at bay as well as the pressure – news stories around getting a certain result can really get to you sometimes.”

2. “I have become aware of several habits that I display during competition. For example, I regularly pause and point to drink more water. I also check my equipment quite often. After all, the functionality of the equipment is a key component in being able to give your best performance.”

3. “A motto or maxim that I try to live and shoot by is that I strive for excellence.”