Iranian Climber Makes History– But It Came At A Cost

Stepping out onto the competition floor, gracefully and decisively floating through the moves on the IFSC Asian Championships finals route, Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi showcased her raw strength and calculated technique. Yet getting lowered to the ground and finishing in fourth place, Rekabi’s feat would be quickly overpowered by the intense backlash of her actions– climbing without her hijab.

Mounting safety concerns regarding Rekabi, 33, followed in the succeeding days after her violation of Iran’s mandatory hijab law on Oct. 16, 2022, which is enforced to all female Iranian athletes. Speculations of her going missing, abducted, imprisoned or handed over to the Iranian embassy in Seoul, Korea, where the competition took place, left supporters around the world worried and confused.

Uprisings in South Korea encompassed masses of people standing in solidarity for Rekabi, chanting “Women Life Freedom.”

However, news quickly hit that Rekabi landed safely in Iran on Oct. 19, met with large crowds at the Tehran Airport showing their support and chanting her name.

Additionally, The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) issued an official statement amidst the confusion and spreading of fake news concerning Rekabi and her state of safety, expressing their support of “the rights of athletes, their choices, and expression of free speech.”

When questioned in a media interview, Rekabi commented that her outfit was “unintentionally” inappropriate and apologized.

Rekabi also took to Instagram to share her gratitude and thank supporters.

While some protested, others took to art to portray their support and voice their admiration for Rekabi’s acts of bravery in defying the Iranian government.

This event, obtaining international attention, occurred amidst the raging protests and uprisings against the Iranian government, following the death of Mahsa Amini, who improperly wore her hijab and died at the hands of Iran’s morality police Sept. 16, 2022.

There is little knowledge as to Rekabi’s safety or whereabouts in the recent months and speculations still remain unclear. Some reports state she was placed on house arrest after returning to Iran and videos of Rekabi’s brother’s house demolished have surfaced.

Having competed on the Iranian Women’s National team for over 15 years, and won numerous National Championships, there was worry that Rekabi would be suspended from competing after her actions. But as Iran Olympic committee president, Mahmoud Khosravi Vafa, told Associated Press, Rekabi will not be punished for her “unintentional” mistake.