Elnaz Rekabi

Elnaz Rekabi is an Iranian climber who gained international attention in 2022 for competing without a hijab at the Asian Climbing Championships in Seoul, South Korea. Her act of defiance occurred during a wave of protests in Iran, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, and led to her being detained by Iranian authorities upon her return. After facing significant reprisals and restrictions in Iran, including house arrest, Rekabi has sought refuge in Spain to continue her climbing career.