<p>Kulsoom Abdullah was barred from entering higher-level US competitions because her Muslim faith requires that she covers her arms, legs and head violating international rules governing weightlifting attire.<br /><br />USA Weightlifting took her case to the International Weightlifting Federation, which agreed to change the rules after its technical committee reviewed the proposal.<br /><br />"The modified rule changes permits athletes to wear a one-piece, full-body, tight-fitted 'unitard' under the compulsory weightlifting costume," IWF vice president Sam Coffa said.<br /><br />"The 'unitard' will enable technical officials to effectively adjudicate areas of the body which are essential to the correct execution of the lift."<br /><br />The old rules didn't allow suits that covered either the knees or elbows because judges had to be able to see that both have been locked out to complete a lift.</p>.<p><br />Abdullah said a tight-fitting shirt would allow judges to have a good view of her elbows. She also said she'd be willing to wear a leg covering that conforms to her religion but allows judges to determine whether she's completed a lift. The new clothing modifications go into effect immediately. The U.S. championships will be held next month in Iowa.<br /><br />"This rule modification has been considered in the spirit of fairness, equality and inclusion," IWF President Tamas Ajan said.</p>
<p>Kulsoom Abdullah was barred from entering higher-level US competitions because her Muslim faith requires that she covers her arms, legs and head violating international rules governing weightlifting attire.<br /><br />USA Weightlifting took her case to the International Weightlifting Federation, which agreed to change the rules after its technical committee reviewed the proposal.<br /><br />"The modified rule changes permits athletes to wear a one-piece, full-body, tight-fitted 'unitard' under the compulsory weightlifting costume," IWF vice president Sam Coffa said.<br /><br />"The 'unitard' will enable technical officials to effectively adjudicate areas of the body which are essential to the correct execution of the lift."<br /><br />The old rules didn't allow suits that covered either the knees or elbows because judges had to be able to see that both have been locked out to complete a lift.</p>.<p><br />Abdullah said a tight-fitting shirt would allow judges to have a good view of her elbows. She also said she'd be willing to wear a leg covering that conforms to her religion but allows judges to determine whether she's completed a lift. The new clothing modifications go into effect immediately. The U.S. championships will be held next month in Iowa.<br /><br />"This rule modification has been considered in the spirit of fairness, equality and inclusion," IWF President Tamas Ajan said.</p>