Ready for a “feel good” story from the Olympics?

Two years ago, Saeid Mollaei, a world class Iranian judo athlete, defected from Iran. Along the way, he not only competed at events in Israel, but he befriended Israeli judoka, Sagi Muki, a world class athlete in his own right.

During the 2019 World Championships, Iranian national team coaches ordered Mollaei to lose a semifinal match in order to avoid a championship match with Muki. Following the event, Mollaei took refuge in Germany, before becoming a Mongolian citizen.

On Tuesday, he won the silver medal in the 81-kilo division and expressed thanks to Israel for the support he received following his defection.

Sagi Muki responded: “I’m super happy for Saeid. I know what he’s gone through, and how much he wanted it. He’s a very close friend of mine, and I’m so happy that he succeeded in achieving his dream. He deserves it — his journey is incredibly inspiring.”

Wow…two very class acts! Both are winners, and a movie deal is in the works to share their story.