Olympians speak out against Iran's public execution of champion wrestler Saleh Mohammadi

Former Iranian wrestler Sardar Pashaei condemned alleged institutional attempts at silencing female athletes who object to the protection of women's sports from transgender athletes in America.

The execution of Iranian wrestling star Saleh Mohammadi left the sports world mourning Thursday.

Iran's regime executed the 19-year-old man on Thursday. Mohammadi was reportedly killed in a public hanging, according to Iranian American human rights activists and dissidents.

Iran International reported that Iran’s regime hanged Mohammadi and two additional Iranian men, Mehdi Ghasemiand and Saeed Davoudi, "after being accused of killing two police officers during nationwide protests earlier this year," the judiciary-linked Mizan news agency reported.

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Multiple Olympians have shared their reactions to the execution with Fox News Digital. 

Brandon Slay of the U.S. during the men's 76-kilogram Greco-Roman wrestling semifinal at the Exhibition Halls during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.   (Ross Kinnaird/Allsport)

"As someone who has traveled to Iran for wrestling twice and welcomed Iranian athletes into our country, I’ve seen firsthand the dignity and heart of the Iranian people. That’s why it’s so heartbreaking to witness a terror regime execute a teenage wrestler," Slay told Fox News Digital. 

"My prayers are with Saleh Mohammadi’s family and all who are suffering. In the face of such oppression, I hold to the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the only light that overcomes darkness and only truth that proclaims justice and mercy will one day prevail."

U.S. swimmer Tyler Clary celebrates winning gold in the men's 200-meter backstroke final at the London