The Athens 2004 Olympics has come to an end and both Great Britain and the Islamic Republic of Iran have had great success. Both teams performed well and were admirably supported by their travelling fans.
Team Great Britain had memorable moments from Kelly Holmes and 17 year-old boxer Amir Khan. Paula Radcliffe touched her nation and many spectators around the world with a spirited performance in the marathon. Great Britain finished 10th in the medal league with 9 gold, 9 silver, and 12 bronze – a similar tally to the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Iranian, Hossein Rezazadeh set a new world record in weightlifting as he took gold. Rezazadeh broke his previous Sydney record in 2000 and vowed to break his new record in four years time in China, providing he is in good health. Team Iran also performed very well in the freestyle wrestling and Taekwondo with Hadi Saei winning gold.
However politics played a hand when Iranian world judo champion Arash Miresmaeili was withdrawn when paired with an Israeli opponent. Iran finished 29th in the medal table with 2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze; a much improved position from the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
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