Arman Shahzadeh transforms adversity into purpose on national stage with Western track program

Arman Shahzadeh’s path to the national podium began with uncertainty, shifted through adversity and is now defined by purpose, persistence and a desire to drive change.

The fourth-year Western University jumper, who studies psychology, says his early relationship with track and field was casual at best.

“I used to do it like through elementary school, like on our school track and field day, but I never took it too seriously. I was more like a soccer kid,” Shahzadeh said.

That changed in Grade 9, when friends launched a high school track team where none had existed.

“Some of my friends were trying to start a track team at our high school. We didn't initially have one… they kind of rallied up and got some of the coaches to volunteer,” he said. 

He signed up for long jump and the 400 metres, but admits the longer race intimidated him. Long jump clicked immediately, and he made OFSAA that year despite limited training.

“I was kind of scared because the 400… long jump went pretty well and I ended up making OFSAA that year without too much training,” he said. 

His early success planted a seed of belief — until life intervened.

“When I was in Grade 8, I was diagnosed with cancer,” he said. The diagnosis shook his athletic identity and his assumptions about his future.

“I remember being in the hospital and being unable to even walk, or just imagine a life where I was out playing at recess… I’d never really thought it was gonna be possible,” he said. 

Emerging from treatment, Shahzadeh says he found motivation in the possibility that sport could be reclaimed.

“Losing the opportunity kind of motivated me to take the most advantage of my situation… I really made the most of the practice I did get after that,” he said. 

By Grade 11, academics signalled another turning point with the likelihood of university.

“My marks kind of showed that I could probably continue in university,” he said. 

A conversation with Western-based club teammate Kenneth West, a current record-holder, helped finalize his choice.

“He seemed to really like it, and it was working really well for him. I thought Western would probably be the best option for me as well, since we do the same events,” Shahzadeh said. 

Western Track & Field Coach Coach Vicky Croley sealed the deal with a campus visit.

“I got in contact with Coach Vicky, we set up the visit… it was really it from there,” he said. 

The result: a program that sharpened his ambitions while reshaping his mindset.

“I think at the end of the day, the most important part is the person you come through the process as opposed to what you achieve,” he said. 

Western’s 2025 national team title last season remains one of his most cherished memories.

“It was really, really cool. It was such a cool experience seeing Western win… it was nice to see everyone's hard work come together when it really mattered,” he said. 

“I feel like everyone just had the performance of their life and we all came together and lifted the trophy together.” 

Success at the international level followed when he competed at the 2025 FISU World University Games.

“It was an honor to represent Canada… to get the actual opportunity, that is something I wasn’t expecting going into the year,” he said. 

The experience taught him a lesson that now anchors his approach.

“The biggest thing… I think it was just the consistency. Watching people perform every rep, every jump was just so consistent. Every rep was intentional,” he said. 

His own greatest hurdle, he says, has been staying healthy.

“My biggest challenge is, honestly, my health… I tore my hamstring. I tore my hamstring after the first meet of the season,” he said. 

“I feel like I'm quite injury prone… I really want to just stay healthy and have that consistent training leading up.” 

According to him, his resilience is informed by perspective.

“Knowing that I've gone through worse and I've come out of it better… I feel like it's only going to make my story better.” 

Shahzadeh also sees his dual identity, athlete and aspiring lawyer, as complementary.

“I think my psychology background, with also a law degree, would be really fulfilling… kind of becoming an advocate for these people, especially in family law,” he said. 

Asked how he balances training and academics, he framed both as privilege and refuge.

“When I'm at practice, it's a break on my mind from study. When I'm studying, it's a break physically,” he said. 

“It's easy to view school or training as this grind, but at the end of the day, we're really privileged to be in the spot.”

His advice to the next generation mirrors the lessons he has lived.

“Slow things down. Do what you can in the moment. One day at a time. What can I do right now to get one step forward?”