#karatechamp

Soolmaz speaks her moments at the #2018IranFreedomConvention: "I was honored to speak at the Iran Freedom Convention, a timely and symbolic event. My story of having to leave Iran in search of freedom and justice is just one out of millions, as other Iranians have faced the same plight due to a regime that continues to harm its own people. The power of sharing out stories via such conventions is yet another testament to the fact that those who fight for freedom prevail at the end of the day."

Mrs. Abooali is a PhD candidate from School of Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University where she is focusing on issues of women in sports and use of sports in conflict resolution.

She takes us to her journey of life, where she fled Iran with her parents as a refugee but now 11-times US National Traditional Karate Champion and International Medalist. (Excerpts)

In the late 1980s, my parent and I fled Iran, our native country and the only home we had ever known. The decision to leave behind our family, friends, and society was not an easy one. Once we were gone, we lived in dire conditions that left us with no shelter, no food, and only with uncertainties as to what the next day would bring. Can you imagine a situation where food is so scarce to come by that you are forced to take ONE apple, slice it into 7 pieces so that you can have one slice each day of the week? I can. Because that was my childhood...

My family’s first-hand experiences into the realities of structural violence, poverty, and discrimination have enabled me to develop a spirit to fight conflict; one that has ultimately shaped my identity and pursuits as an Iranian-American woman, a scholar, and a martial artist.

Today, I am an 11-time US National Champion and world medalist in Traditional Karate. When I fight, I fight with a sense of knowing what it means to sacrifice, to stand up for what I deserve, and to go after what is right.

Although I am incredibly proud to be an athlete that represents the United States globally, I am also that little girl who has not forgotten that I was forced to leave those whom she loves and my native home, Iran. Because I am a sort of half-breed – this both Iranian and American, I often ask myself: what does it mean to be Iranian?

It means this:

·         To share a rich civilization and culture that spans back to 550 B.C.

·         To share an ancestry of world-renowned poets such as Hafiz, Rumi, Khayyam, Ferdowsi, and Saadi whose poem is a motto on the entrance of the United Nations building.

·         To share a powerful record of advances in medicine, science, and engineering, such as those made by Abu Ali Sina (Avicenna) and Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman to be awarded the Fields Medal in mathematics.

·         To share a talented roster of athletes such as legendary wrestlers Takhti, Filabi, and Gorbani.

·         And finally, to be an Iranian means to fight for our rights, such as the courageous young girls who are at the forefront of protests in Iran and the young boys who sacrifice by risking their lives to gain freedom for this very proud nation.

This history and these individuals are YOU. YOU represent the richness of where we came from and where we go from this point on.

I have also noticed that Iranians share a history of hardships. These include:

·         Being punished for how we want to dress

·         Being persecuted and publicly hung for our political and religious beliefs

·         Being discriminated against based on gender and orientation

·         And one of my favorites – not being allowed to enter a sport stadium

These violations represent what needs to CHANGE. As a refugee and as someone who studies conflict, I understand what it takes to create positive change in a society. One person who has been steadfast in her journey to bring such a positive change to Iran is Mrs. Maryam Rajavi. She – a female leader – has repeatedly proven the ability to sacrifice, to go after what is right, to inspire, and to lead despite all odds. For this reason, I chose to gift my gold medals to her – from one fighter to another.

This is what it means to be an Iranian: to be a fighter for freedom, equality, and justice.