CAN'T HOLD THEM DOWN

Headscarves Won't Keep Iranian Women From Parkour

Running and flipping in the face of social norms.

Parkour, the physically intensive activity of running, jumping and flipping against, walls, fences, curbs and other urban elements is all the rage in the Middle East these days, even among women who refuse to let their requisite headscarves and loosefitting clothing slow them down. But clothing isn't the only obstacle these women are overcoming by practicing Parkour—they're actually risking a lot, especially in Iran. Not only is the satellite TV—where they learned the sport—illegal, women have to be wary of practicing in busy areas where they could be caught by police. But for many of these women, the reward is worth the risk. As one woman from the Iranian city of Lahijan explained, "This sport is all about speed—unlike the lives of young Iranian women, which sometimes feel like they're frozen."