Kulsoom Abdullah honors Muslim faith, makes history at US weightlifting nationals
16 July 2011
4 Comments
Kulsoom Abdullah honors Muslim faith, makes history at US weightlifting nationals
By Associated Press, Published: July 15
Kulsoom Abdullah has become the first woman to compete in the U.S. weightlifting championships while wearing clothing that covers her legs, arms and head.
Abdullah was cleared to compete in accordance with her Muslim faith after the International Weightlifting Federation ruled two weeks ago that athletes could wear a full-body “unitard” under the customary weightlifting uniform.
Abdullah, a 35-year-old from Atlanta who weighs roughly 105 pounds, lifted before a small crowd Friday in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Wearing a flowing black hijab and matching top with a tan, long-sleeved undershirt and long black socks, Abdullah cleared a snatch of 41 kilograms, or just over 90 pounds, and 57 kilograms in the clean and jerk. Abdullah finished fifth out of six competitors in her weight class.
I don’t know just looking at that picture are you sure that her right arm is properly locked? That wrinkle in the clothing may indicate that the arm is slightly angled rather than hyper extended and locked.
I am just kidding; I do not agree with the ruling but I am glad she was able to compete as she worked hard to do so and stood by her values while so doing. She is a woman to be admired.
17 July 2011 at 2:38 am