Elnaz Rekabi, an Iranian rock climber, found herself at the center of global attention in October 2022—not just for her skills, but for what many saw as a silent act of defiance.
Competing in South Korea without a hijab, she unknowingly became a symbol of resistance amid Iran’s ongoing protests following the death of Mahsa Amini.
While some hailed her courage, Iranian authorities took a different stance.
Upon her return to Iran, she vanished from public view, with reports suggesting she had been placed under house arrest and banned from competing abroad.
The speculation surrounding her fate only grew as supporters worried for her safety.
A Forced Departure and a Brother’s Heartfelt Farewell
After months of uncertainty, confirmation of Rekabi’s departure from Iran came through an emotional Instagram post by her brother, Davood. His words reflected both sorrow and resignation:
“I wish this was a better place for you, so that missing you like this would not weigh on our hearts.”
Reports from Iranian media indicate that Rekabi has moved to Spain.
While the head of Iran’s National Olympic Committee, Mehdi Alinejad, acknowledged her departure, he maintained that Iranian athletes should ideally stay within the country if they wish to pursue professional sports.
However, he conceded, “Everyone has the choice over where to live.”
Recognition on the International Stage
Despite the challenges she has faced, Rekabi’s journey continues in the world of sport climbing.
The International Federation for Sport Climbing (IFSC) recently appointed her as the ‘athlete role model’ for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
This prestigious role was confirmed in a meeting with IFSC president Marco Scolaris and International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The IOC has reportedly been monitoring her situation closely, expressing concerns over her restricted movement in Iran.
This new role signals both international support for Rekabi and a potential fresh start for her career outside her home country.
The Shadow of Retaliation
Rekabi’s defiant act in 2022 was not without consequences.
Shortly after her return to Iran, her family’s villa was demolished, raising suspicions of government retaliation.
A heartbreaking video showed her brother standing among the ruins, medals scattered on the ground.
Iranian authorities, however, denied any connection between the demolition and her decision to compete without a hijab.
The state-run Tasnim news agency claimed the villa had been torn down due to a permit violation, asserting that the action had been taken before Rekabi’s South Korea appearance.
What’s Next for Elnaz Rekabi?
While the circumstances of her departure from Iran remain unclear, what is certain is that Elnaz Rekabi’s journey is far from over.
As she steps into her new role in the international sporting community, the world will be watching—both in admiration of her achievements and in concern for her safety.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the intersection between sports and politics, and how a single moment of defiance can reshape an athlete’s entire life.
Whether in exile or on the global stage, Elnaz Rekabi’s courage continues to inspire many.