3 Things We Can All Learn From Emirati Figure Skater Zahra Lari
She continues to be an inspiration to women from all over the world…
As the first Emirati figure skater, Zahra Lari is a woman many aspiring female and regional athletes look up to. She is a source of inspiration constantly demonstrating her strength and discipline, whilst never foregoing her beliefs and personal identity.
In honour of her birthday today, here are three things we all can learn from Zahra…
Do Not Change Yourself To Play The Game; Change The Game
Being the first figure skater competing wearing a hijab earned Zahra the nickname The Ice Princess In Hijab. 2012 was the first time she competed in an international figure skating competition wearing a hijab at the European Cup in Canazei in Italy. This resulted in a point deduction for her, due to so-called outfit violation.
Since then Zahra has fought for the rules to be updated, so women like her can participate in the sport regardless of their religion. Whilst official figure skating rules do not strictly forbid the headscarf, they also do not specifically allow it, something Zahra is determined to change.
Obstacles Are There To Be Challenged
Growing up in the desert did not set the ideal framework for becoming a figure skating champion. That never stopped Zahra from pursuing her dream. When people think of her as just dancing on ice for amusement instead of carrying out a physically highly demanding choreography she thinks of all the strengths it takes to jump high in the air and then land on nothing but a four-millimetre blade. She knows, the sport is more than just skating pretty circles.
Keep Fighting For Your Dreams, Even If It Gets Tough
As the UAE’s first female figure skater, Zahra had to overcome a lot of obstacles. In an interview with Bazaar Arabia, the 28-year-old reveals that she wakes up at 4:30am in the morning, questioning why she is getting up for training instead of sleeping. She reveals that she is reminding herself of the big goal, which is representing her country at the Winter Olympics. Zahra encourages girls and women to always pursue their dreams and plans for the future no matter how hard it can get.
Lead Image Courtesy Of Instagram/@zahralari