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

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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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