A female Iranian swimmer has been denied recognition of a record-setting swim by sports officials because her “feminine features” were visible, she claims.
Elham Asghari, 32, said she broke a personal record in June when she swam 20 kilometres in open water full Islamic dress, the Guardian reported.
But Iran officials agreed to acknowledge only 18km of the full 20km, nine-hour feat and refused to register the record, claiming her swimwear did not adequately hide her body.
Ms Asghari's custom designed swimsuit – a full hijab, covering her body from head to toe – added some six kilograms to her weight in the water and, she says, is painful to wear.
Women in Iran can use public swimming pools at gender-segregated times and female-only sections, but swimming in open waters is discouraged by authorities.
The Women's Islamic Games in Tehran is one of the few international events open to female Iranian swimmers, who are prohibited from overseas competition.
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Omg what a woman. Try swimming 20 k's in soaking wet head to toe Islamic gear!
A very determined lady!
