To many spectators, Elnaz Rekabi’s ascent of the lead wall at the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Asian Championships 2022 looked inconspicuous, if not nearly identical to her fellow competitors, save varying route choices. Her physical appearance too, was similar to that of other climbers who competed that day, and it’s for that reason she’s been thrust into the international spotlight.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has been the site of civil unrest for well over a month following the arrest and subsequent death of Mahsa Amini. Amini was arrested by the country’s so-called “morality police” for violations related to improper adornment of a head covering, or hijab.
Her death has sparked a domestic and international outcry for women’s rights and personal freedoms. Her story was no doubt familiar to Rekabi when the Iranian took to the wall on Sunday.
Rekabi, who has climbed with a hijab in the past, appeared for the bouldering competition wearing a modified head covering that showed the ends of her hair. She then wore an even more revealing headband during her appearance in the lead final.
Rekabi appeared composed and focused during the competition. However, concerns over her safety began to grow after the competition.
Friends of Rekabi reported difficulty contacting her following the Asian Championships. Rana Rahimpour, a reporter for the BBC World Service, tweeted that BBC Persian had been informed by sources close to the matter that Rekabi’s passport and mobile phone had been confiscated following the competition.
The Iranian team also promptly checked out of their accommodation in Seoul, South Korea and boarded a flight to Tehran. The Iranian Embassy in Seoul confirmed Rekabi and other members of the Iranian climbing team were on a flight destined for Iran.
The tweet included a statement on the situation that read, “The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in South Korea strongly denies all the fake, false news and disinformation regarding Ms. Elnaz REKABI.”
Still, concerns about Rekabi’s safety remain. On Tuesday, the IFSC released a statement on the matter.
The federation stated it was “fully aware of the news regarding Iranian athlete Elnaz Rekabi,” adding, “there is a lot of information in the public sphere regarding Ms Rekabi and as an organization we have been trying to establish the facts.”
The federation said it had been in contact with Rekabi and the Iranian Climbing Federation.
“Our understanding is that she is returning to Iran, and we will continue to monitor the situation as it develops on her arrival,” noted the international climbing body. “It is important to stress that athletes’ safety is paramount for us and we support any efforts to keep a valued member of our community safe in this situation.”
Rekabi appeared to post an apology to her Instagram account on Tuesday. She blamed an “unanticipated call” to climb the wall for her appearance, adding that her head covering came off “inadvertently.” It wasn’t immediately evident if she had issued the statement of her own free will.
Information around Rekabi’s whereabouts remains limited, and uncertainty about potential disciplinary actions loom over her return to Iran.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has yet to weigh in on the matter.
Iran has a history of political troubles in Olympic sport. The country is presently serving a four year ban from judo for pressuring fighters to withdraw from matches against Israeli opponents.
The country has also faced calls for suspension in other sports, and even the Olympics themselves, over alleged human rights abuses.
It’s unclear how the current situation could affect the ability of Iranian athletes to compete in international competitions going forward.