An Emirati Has Defied All Odds To Become The First UAE Athlete To Compete At The Winter Olympic Qualifiers

Zahra Lari first saw an ice rink in Disney’s ‘Ice Princess’ and from that moment she knew she wanted to skate. She begged her parents for lessons and the rest it seems, is history.

Zahra will be the first ever Emirati figure skater and UAE athlete to compete at the Winter Olympic Qualifiers in South Korea.

She is just 22 and it’s the UAE’s very first figure skater to compete internationally. She is also the first to compete wearing a hijab…

“When I started skating I’d get deductions for being covered. They (the judges) had never seen covered skaters before, but after holding several meetings,  I am now proud to say that Hijabi women can skate free of fear.”

Zahra Lahri – figure skater

Motivation

Her goal thus far is to compete on an international stage (almost achieved!) and represent the UAE proudly. 

Constant support from family and her country has motivated her to achieve her dream. To get this done, she has trained on average four hours a day, seven days a week for the past seven years, an incredible commitment. 

The qualifiers will take place between September 26  and October 01 

“I am so close now to my goal. And when it gets tough I think of the word Olympics and what that means for my family and nation and that clears my vision and helps me focus on the goal.”

Zahra Lahri – figure skater