'Defecting to Europe: Iran’s Sole Female Olympic Medalist’s Bold Declaration Against Her Country’s Policies'
Iran's only female Olympic medalist, Kimia Alizadeh, has permanently left her country for Europe amid anti-government protests in cities across Iran and international pressure following the accidental shooting down of a Ukrainian flight, claiming 176 lives.
At 21 years old, Alizadeh made history as the first Iranian woman to win an Olympic medal, securing taekwondo bronze in the -57kg category at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She is immensely popular in her country.
Adhering to Iran's strict Muslim customs, she competed at the Rio Olympics wearing a headscarf over her taekwondo uniform and protective gear.
In a very tough decision, Alizadeh felt 'used' by the Iranian government, stating they had been manipulating her and millions of Iranian women...