Zahra Lari, the first professional figure skater to compete internationally wearing a headscarf

By Sarah Hassan, CNN

Updated 0420 GMT (1220 HKT) November 29, 2017

The United Arab Emirates is home to 22-year-old Zahra Lari, the first professional figure skater to compete internationally wearing the headscarf, and the first skater from a Persian Gulf state to participate in international figure skating competitions.
Photos: Zahra Lari, the first professional figure skater to compete internationally wearing a headscarf
Zahra Lari – The United Arab Emirates is home to 22-year-old Zahra Lari, the first professional figure skater to compete internationally wearing the headscarf, and the first skater from a Persian Gulf state to participate in international figure skating competitions.
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"I began skating when I was 12 years old, after watching the movie 'Ice Princess'," says Lari. "I just happened to see the movie and loved it immediately!"
Photos: Zahra Lari, the first professional figure skater to compete internationally wearing a headscarf
Zahra Lari – "I began skating when I was 12 years old, after watching the movie 'Ice Princess'," says Lari. "I just happened to see the movie and loved it immediately!"
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Lari has participated in professional figure skating competitions worldwide, wearing modified versions of the figure-skating outfit -- she replaces see-through fabrics such as Lycra with opaque cloth, covers her toned legs with thick leggings, and wears a matching headscarf.
Photos: Zahra Lari, the first professional figure skater to compete internationally wearing a headscarf
Zahra Lari – Lari has participated in professional figure skating competitions worldwide, wearing modified versions of the figure-skating outfit -- she replaces see-through fabrics such as Lycra with opaque cloth, covers her toned legs with thick leggings, and wears a matching headscarf.
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"I choose my music and my choreographer works with me to come up with my programs, my coach will set all of the technical elements and then it all comes together for a complete routine," says Lari, who appears in this picture with her coaches Noemi Bedo and Tunde Gal after performing at the European Cup in 2012 in Italy.
Photos: Zahra Lari, the first professional figure skater to compete internationally wearing a headscarf
Zahra Lari – "I choose my music and my choreographer works with me to come up with my programs, my coach will set all of the technical elements and then it all comes together for a complete routine," says Lari, who appears in this picture with her coaches Noemi Bedo and Tunde Gal after performing at the European Cup in 2012 in Italy.
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"There is never anything spur of the moment. It is a very technical and scientific sport that requires specific abilities and expertise to achieve the results."