Update: Her request was approved. Muslim weightlifter's wish to dress modestly...

**Curt James** · 06-10-2011, 04:20 AM

Muslim weightlifter's wish to dress modestly triggers debate

By Josh Levs, CNN
UPDATED: 08:02 PM EDT 06.09.11

Kulsoom Abdullah is a 35-year-old with a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering. But it's her passion outside of work that has put her at the center of a debate -- one that could affect athletic competitions worldwide, even the Olympics.

Later this month, the International Weightlifting Federation will take up the question of whether Abdullah may take part in officially sanctioned tournaments while keeping her entire body covered, aside from her hands and face, in keeping with her Muslim faith.

"It's what I believe in. It's what I've chosen to do," Abdullah tells CNN of her decision to wear modest garb. "I've always dressed this way publicly."

Abdullah is not an Olympic athlete, but enjoys lifting weights. She can deadlift 245 pounds (111 kg) and get up 105 pounds (47.5 kg) in the snatch, in which the competitor lifts the barbell from the floor to over her head in a single motion.

She likes to compete with other women in her weight class -- she generally weighs in the 106-pound (48 kg) or 117-pound (53 kg) classifications.

"It guess it's empowering," she says. "There's a lot of technique involved, so someone who's this big muscular person -- it's possible I could lift more than they do. There's speed and timing to it -- you have to be explosive. I think it's great just for confidence building ... I guess I got hooked."

The Atlanta resident wants to take part in tournaments in the United States, including one coming up in July. But USA Weightlifting informed her that those events are governed by IWF rules. And those rules preclude her dressing in keeping with her beliefs.

Abdullah generally wears loose, long pants past the ankles, a long-sleeve, fitted shirt with a loose T-shirt over it, and a hijab, or head scarf, covering her hair.

The outfits -- officially called "costumes" -- worn at competitions must be collarless and must not cover the elbows or knees, according to the IWF's technical and competition rules.

The IWF constitution also states that no distinction is made among individuals based on religion.

Mark Jones, a spokesman for the U.S. Olympic Committee -- which oversees USA Weightlifting and many other sports -- explained part of the challenge is that judges need to see that a competitor's elbows and knees are locked during a lift.

But the USOC also understands the dilemma Abdullah faces. After CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations -- a Washington-based group that advocates for Muslims and Muslim causes -- contacted the USOC on Wednesday, Jones said, his group reached out to the IWF.

"I think their (CAIR's) language is to 'advocate' on the athlete's behalf with the international federation, and we have done that," Jones told CNN. "The Olympic movement is all about the universal values of equality. We value that greatly, but we also respect the rules of sport -- especially those set forth for competitive reasons. So we're looking to see if there's some way to accommodate -- not just this one particular athlete," he said, adding, "this is an issue that has some wider implications."

The International Weightlifting Federation has agreed to include the issue on the agenda of its next meeting, later this month in Malaysia, Jones said.

The group's technical committee will hold a debate, and then present a recommendation to the IWF board, Jones said.

"Awesome!" Abdullah responded, when CNN informed her Thursday of these developments. "That's wonderful."

The news came after months of pushing for change, she said. In April, USA Weightlifting responded to an e-mail from her, explaining that it had to reject her request due to IWF rules. In that e-mail, there was no suggestion that the group or the USOC might take up the issue with the IWF.

John Duff, CEO of USA Weightlifting, issued a statement Thursday reiterating that the organization abides by the IWF rules on uniforms, and that the "issue has been brought to the attention of the IWF and the IWF Technical Committee has agreed to place the matter on the agenda of the next meeting, which will take place on June 26 in Penang, Malaysia, for consideration."

The IWF did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday.

Abdullah says she understands the need to make sure she isn't wearing anything under her clothes to give her a competitive advantage. She says judges could check to make sure she is not wearing something on her elbows, for example, that might help her.

And she says she's willing to wear a "snug" shirt -- though not skin tight -- underneath a loose singlet, so judges could "see that there's lockout" in her arms when she does her lifts.

Ibrahim Hooper of CAIR, which sent out a news release about Abdullah on Wednesday, praised the USOC Thursday for taking action.

"It sounds like they've really done exactly what we asked them to do, which is advocate on behalf of this Muslim athlete," Hooper said.

"The ultimate result is a very reasonable compromise that allows the Muslim athlete to follow her religious beliefs and practices and maintain the legitimate rules and policies of Olympics and sports in general."

While Abdullah was happy to hear the IWF will consider her situation, there is no guarantee the IWF will alter its rules.

Although there were no immediate, organized protests against the USOC's decision to bring Abdullah's case to the IWF, USOC spokesman Jones said his agency has received messages from people opposing any change in the rules. He did not characterize what the messages said or how many there were.

Numerous athletic agencies have faced similar questions in the past and, in some cases, have determined that allowing special clothing violates fairness or equality among all contestants.

FIFA, the international federation governing soccer, recently refused to allow Iran's women's soccer team to wear headscarves while playing in an Olympic qualifying round in Amman, Jordan.

Abdullah told CNN her effort is not just about herself. "I should at least try," she said, "if not for me then maybe for other women who -- if they have my faith or another faith -- dress a certain way."

From CNN.com

**Big Smoothy** · 06-10-2011, 04:53 AM

More stupidity.

If you have to expose your knees and elbows, then no, she should not be allowed to compete.

Here is more stupidity:

But the USOC also understands the dilemma Abdullah faces.

The US has gone ridiculous.

Look at the UK, with its PC rules and London being called "Londonistan."

Americans have lost their backbone.

Muslims are now claiming to be a "minority." Laugh.

**bandaidwoman** · 06-10-2011, 06:55 AM

Shows how religion makes smart people foolish.

She obviously chose to wear the hijab, so just unchoose it for the competition. In Turkey a woman cannot wear a hijab when she enters medical school premise ( I know since I work with Turkish female doctors who come here on sabbatical) or enters parliment, they can wear it once off the premise. Therefore, there has been a precedence and I'm sure some Muftah will tell her its ok for these turkish women, its ok for her. My front office check in person belongs to some independant baptist sect that mandates its women wear long sleeves and long skirts and never cut their hair and swim even in long skirts or full body covering. Needless to say, in Hotlanta, she is miserable.

**GearsMcGilf** · 06-10-2011, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by Curt James

She can deadlift 245 pounds (111 kg) and get up 105 pounds (47.5 kg) in the snatch

Wow! That's one powerful snatch!

**jagbender** · 06-10-2011, 07:44 AM

Originally Posted by GearsMcGilf

Wow! That's one powerful snatch!

**jagbender** · 06-10-2011, 07:49 AM

If you want to compete in any competition you need to follow the rules.
Muslims want to (and are) taking over the world.

Just look at the Muslims want to have Sharia law in other countries. I call BS

**bandaidwoman** · 06-10-2011, 09:37 AM

many secular muslims are against sharia law, this muslim secularist physician at brigham young has mounted a response

The secular Muslim

too bad new yorkers got all worked up about cordoba which is trying to educate on the importance of leaving religion to be a private matter, not a government matter. That is the true secularist, not those of us who are athiests, but personally religious folks who believe religion has always and will be a personal matter, and not something for the government. The director of interventional cardiology here at emory is a secular muslim and tries to educate his more fundamental bretheren back hom.

**Jaguar** · 06-10-2011, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by bandaidwoman

Shows how religion makes smart people foolish.

Unlikely they were smart to begin with, and simply compounded their problems.

**irish_2003** · 06-10-2011, 10:35 AM

with all the clothing, how can they REALLY identify her and be sure it's not an imposter at events?

**Big Smoothy** · 06-10-2011, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by bandaidwoman

many secular muslims are against sharia law, this muslim secularist physician at brigham young has mounted a response

A secular muslim?

I've not heard of one.

She should leave the religion and be an apostate - and the penalty is death for being an apostate.

**KelJu** · 06-10-2011, 10:41 AM

What a dumb and selfish cunt! Wear the official mandated IWF gear or fuck off. Did the concept of judges being able to evaluate the lift even occur to this silly bitch? You want top serve Allah, then you don't get to compete in power lifting competitions. End of story.

**bandaidwoman** · 06-10-2011, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by Big Smoothy

A secular muslim?

I've not heard of one.

they are dominant in my field both physical sciences and medicine and just look at most Turks. - or look at ex India's president A.P.J. Kalam a devout muslim and nuclear scientist. In fact, india, a secular democracy like ours has had many muslim leaders. They are personally religious but do not believe in imposing any religious doctrines on governemnt. A secularist can be deeply religious but view religious considerations should be excluded from civil affairs or public education. Unfortunately, the fundamentalists have silenced all other voices. It's probably why so many like practicing here. They don't have to take breaks five times a day to pray and all that nonsense. They just do research and take care of patients. I have more problems with the damn orthodox jews whom I cover for on friday nights until saturday nights since they refuse to take care of their patients during their sabbath ( they can't even friggin answer their beeper).None of my muslim peers ask me to cover them on friday evenings ( their holey sabbath as well) but I don't think they have restrictions like not using a car ( to drive in on call) or electrical devices etc.

**MDR** · 06-10-2011, 03:17 PM

Not a fan of any religion, but I hope the IWF does the right thing here. I think she should be allowed an exception. She is not competing at a world class level, but even if she was, I don't think it is that big a deal. I competed in many sanctioned meets, and it seems easy enough to compromise in this area. As long as judges can see her lockout, who cares what she is wearing? If I saw some competitive advantage here, I would object. It seems clear to me that there is no advantage here, so again, who cares?

**SFW** · 06-10-2011, 03:20 PM

OH. MY. GOD! <3 <3 <3

Praise Allah

**maniclion** · 06-10-2011, 03:32 PM

If she were a true muslim she would wear a burqa and stay inside until her husband or another man in her family escorted her around, and she damn sure wouldn't be competing in weightlifting events.....

It's up to her if competing is more important than self-imposed restrictions, this is America Sharia law is not in effect.....

**GearsMcGilf** · 06-10-2011, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by MDR

Not a fan of any religion, but I hope the IWF does the right thing here. I think she should be allowed an exception. She is not competing at a world class level, but even if she was, I don't think it is that big a deal. I competed in many sanctioned meets, and it seems easy enough to compromise in this area. As long as judges can see her lockout, who cares what she is wearing? If I saw some competitive advantage here, I would object. It seems clear to me that there is no advantage here, so again, who cares?

Werd! As ridiculous as it seems, if she wants to cover up and it's not effecting her lifts, I don't see any reason not to allow it.

**Chubby** · 06-10-2011, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by SFW

OH. MY. GOD! <3 <3 <3

Praise Allah

I thought she was wearing burqa but this looks acceptable to me. Power lifting is all about power , not about showing off muscle or anything. As long as she is not cheating I don't see any problem with it. I am happy this muslim woman have a courage to participate in this kind of sport. You go girl.

**Curt James** · 06-10-2011, 11:38 PM

Related...

**ponyboy** · 06-11-2011, 05:06 AM

Screw her. When it suits them they want all of the laws changed to suit what they believe, but then if you don't you are a bigot.

If you want to compete or live somewhere, don't try to impose your culture or beliefs there. Stay where you are.

**bio-chem** · 06-11-2011, 09:46 AM

How is she imposing her beliefs on anyone? she isn't asking others to wear pants. This doesn't effect her performance or the judges ability to make a ruling. let her do it.

**Darkcity** · 06-11-2011, 10:13 AM

Canada & America Need A Leader Like This!

Prime Minister John Howard - Australia

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.

Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.'

'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'

'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!'

'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'

'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'

'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom,

'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'

'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'

Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American and Canadian citizens will find the backbone to start speaking and voicing the same truths.

If you agree ... please SEND THIS ON.

**DOMS** · 06-11-2011, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Darkcity

Canada & America Need A Leader Like This!

Prime Minister John Howard - Australia

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.

Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.'

'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'

'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!'

'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'

'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'

'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom,

'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'

'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'

Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American and Canadian citizens will find the backbone to start speaking and voicing the same truths.

If you agree ... please SEND THIS ON.

I don't know if he really said it, but it's the way it should be.

**fufu** · 06-11-2011, 11:17 AM

I don't think it really matters, unless the judges really can't gauge legitimate lifting technique with her clothes. I do see the principal, though. Special treatment in sanctioned events should not be allowed.

But regardless, singlets aren't exactly flattering garb.

**GearsMcGilf** · 06-11-2011, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by Darkcity

Canada & America Need A Leader Like This!

Prime Minister John Howard - Australia

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.

Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.'

'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'

'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!'

'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'

'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'

'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom,

'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'

'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'

Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American and Canadian citizens will find the backbone to start speaking and voicing the same truths.

If you agree ... please SEND THIS ON.

I doubt this is a direct quote from Howard, but I'm sure he would agree with it. I do remember him saying that if you want to live under Sharia law, you should consider moving to Saudi Arabia. That racist Islamophobe!

**MDR** · 06-11-2011, 01:39 PM

What happened to religious freedom and individual rights over state rule? Isn't that why we tossed the tea in the water in the first place? I am a proud Atheist, and I have the same rights as any Christian in this country. Seems like to me you are practicing a bit of historical revisionism. Separation of church and state is a huge part of the founding fathers plan. Just because there were a lot of ignorant conservative christians does not mean we are stuck in 1692 Salem. The puritanical element was just that, an element. This country was not founded solely on the Christian ethic, but on the notion of plurality and freedom joined with the ideal that individuals should be free to choose what they believe, and not be dictated to by the state.

**Curt James** · 06-11-2011, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by Darkcity

Canada & America Need A Leader Like This!

Prime Minister John Howard - Australia
(snip)
If you agree ... please SEND THIS ON.

That phrased tacked on the end asked for a Google search...

snopes.com: Muslims Out of Australia!

**Curt James** · 06-29-2011, 05:05 PM

Update:

Weightlifting group allows woman to wear hijab, unitard in competitions

By Liz Goodwin, The Lookout

Abdullah in a February competition

A Muslim weightlifter in Atlanta, Ga., will now be allowed to compete nationally after the sport's international ruling body said she may wear a hijab and body-covering unitard.

Kulsoom Abdullah began lifting last year at her gym in Atlanta, and discovered she was surprisingly good at the sport. She qualified for the American Open Weightlifting Championships last December, but the event's sponsoring body, USA Weightlifting, told her that she would not be able to compete in her modified uniform that covers everything but her hands, feet, and face.

Officials with the group said they had to follow the guidelines of the International Weightlifting Federation, which mandated that elbows and knees be uncovered so judges could tell that athletes had fully locked them out when they lifted. After the U.S. Olympic Committee and Abdullah petitioned the group, the IWF decided this week at a meeting in Malaysia that a tight-fitting unitard would be acceptable, since judges would still be able to see whether the knees and elbows were locked.

The new rule means Abdullah may now attend a national competition in July, and possibly move on the Olympics if she qualifies one day. She can lift 70 kilos (about 154 pounds) to her shoulders, and 60 kilos (or about 132 pounds) over her head, in a move called the "clean-and-jerk."

"The newly approved competition costume modification promotes and enables a more inclusive sport environment and breaks down barriers to participation," the IWF said in a press release. The group added that a hijab has always been allowed, as long as the athlete doesn't touch it with the barbell.

"I'm relieved and happy," Kulsoom told the Lookout.
Abdullah has a PhD in electrical computer engineering from Georgia Tech, and still does research at the university. She told The Lookout that what she likes about lifting is "there's a lot of technique involved. Someone could be very strong and not be able to lift as much."

Excelling at lifting "gave me confidence," she said, adding that she hopes more women will take part in the sport if they hear about her story.
Abdullah's problem is not unique in the world of sports. The Iranian woman's soccer team showed up to a Olympic qualifying match against Jordan wearing hijabs earlier this month, and officials with the global soccer governing body, FIFA, promptly disqualified them. FIFA banned headscarves in 2007, citing choking hazards.

(Abdullah in a February competition: Photo provided by Abdullah)

From Weightlifting group allows woman to wear hijab, unitard in competitions | The Lookout - Yahoo! News

**MDR** · 06-29-2011, 05:29 PM

Nice to see the IWF make the sensible decision.

**GearsMcGilf** · 06-29-2011, 07:07 PM

Much ado about nothing. Who gives a shit. Obviously, powerlifting leagues are private and can make their own rules, but frankly, the 2-3 layered denim bench shirts and squat suits are even more ridiculous than her hijab in this case. Not a fan of Islamic culture by any stretch, but there's no reason to not respect her religious freedom.

**MDR** · 06-29-2011, 07:30 PM

Originally Posted by GearsMcGilf

Much ado about nothing. Who gives a shit. Obviously, powerlifting leagues are private and can make their own rules, but frankly, the 2-3 layered denim bench shirts and squat suits are even more ridiculous than her hijab in this case. Not a fan of Islamic culture by any stretch, but there's no reason to not respect her religious freedom.

I think the main issue is without the ruling of the IWF, she could not compete in a national meet and qualify for the Olympic trials. Also, not to be a stickler, but she is an Olympic lifter, not a powerlifter. No bench or squat, just the snatch and the clean and jerk. I do agree that this decision is seemingly a no-brainer, and has nothing to do with approval of religion and everything to do with not arbitrarily restricting her freedoms.

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