Known as the “Ice Princess” in her homeland of the United Arab Emirates, professional figure skater Zahra Lari was inspired as a child by the Disney film to first take up skating. Now, at the age of twenty-one, Zahra has represented her country competing internationally throughout Europe with a firm eye on the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. If she makes it to the Winter Olympics, Zahra will not only be the first athlete from the UAE to do so but will join a growing list of female Muslim athletes who wear the hijab.
The skater hopes that young women will be inspired by her story to work towards fulfilling their dreams. “I wish for all young women to find their passion. To be concerned for their health and well being. To take up sport. To not let small obstacles look like mountains. To strive for their own betterment and to not see the differences in people but to only see the likenesses. This is my wish for all.”
