Iranian climber, identified as female, allegedly relocated to Spain after encountering challenge from local community post her unveiled hair competition performance.
Revised Article:
A fearless Iranian climber, Elnaz Rekabi, is believed to have fled her home country after facing oppression for participating in an international competition without donning a headscarf, a practice common in her native land.
As per the Daily Mail's reports, her brother, Davood, expressed his feelings in an Instagram post that read, "I wish this was a better place for you, so that missing you like this wouldn't weigh heavy on our hearts."
Rumors suggest that Rekabi has now relocated to Spain.
Hailing from Iran, Rekabi made international headlines in October 2022 when she participated in the Asian Championships organized by the IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) in South Korea, sans the hijab. In her home country, women are required to cover their heads, arms, and legs with loose clothing.
Rekabi's bold move made her a beacon of defiance amidst the anti-regime protests that erupted after the demise of Mahsa Amini in Iranian police custody, following an arrest for supposedly improper hijab attire.
An Unexpected Apology
Following the competition in South Korea, Rekabi appeared contrite on Instagram, apologizing for her unveiled appearance, stating it was unintentional. However, sources later alleged to the BBC that Rekabi was coerced into the apology.
Family Troubles
In December 2022, videos surfaced of her family home being demolished in Iran. The footage showed her brother, also a top athlete, crying over sports medals on the ground, amidst the rubble of their home. Iranian officials claimed the destruction resulted from an unauthorized construction permit, a stance disputed by anti-government activists who viewed it as retaliation against Rekabi.
Back in the Game
In June 2023, Rekabi climbed her way back into a women's boulder World Cup event in Brixen, Italy, following her controversy-ridden appearance at the South Korea tournament. Yet, Iranian media revealed that the Ministry of Sports and Youth demanded a financial guarantee of 10 billion rials ($20,000) and a house deed from Rekabi prior to her traveling abroad for any further competitions.
Rekabi has been appointed as the 'athlete role model' for sport climbing in the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, in 2026. Post-Tokyo 2020, sport climbing is now an Olympic discipline divided into speed, lead, and bouldering. Paris 2024, however, will see a format change, featuring only speed climbing and combined bouldering and lead climbing.
Stay tuned to obtain updates about Elnaz Rekabi's participation in the Youth Olympic Games, as well as her continued journey in the world of climbing.
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