Tara Babulfath made a breakthrough at the Olympic Games last year when she won a bronze – Sweden's first medal in Paris and the first ever in judo.
After her successes, life changed for the 19-year-old, among other things, she is stopped by people when she goes out.
It's just a fun bonus, but not the reason why I practice judo. However, it can give positive energy, at the same time as it's not something I take for granted or expect, she says.
Babulfath, who is the daughter of the Iranian-born Swedish wrestler Mohammed Babulfath, is living her dream as a judoka.
"Means everything"
I'm not fully Swedish but half-Iranian, and I could have grown up in a country, for example Iran, where I wouldn't have been able to fulfill my dreams, says the 19-year-old.
So I feel very grateful that I can follow my dreams and live my life to the fullest. And I've always felt that if I can make a difference, I want to do it.
Tara Babulfath is the new ambassador for the children's rights organization Plan International Sweden. To highlight issues about children's rights, as well as girls' equal conditions and equality.
It's an honor to be able to help. And for me, it gives a lot.
I'm ready to do what it takes to get the message out.
"Something I'm passionate about"
On Instagram, the 19-year-old has 30,000 followers – a potential megaphone for the message.
But it wouldn't have mattered if I only had five followers. It might not have reached as many, but this is really something I'm passionate about and something I really want to do.
The judoka is in full swing with preparations for the World Championship in Budapest in June. A championship the 19-year-old hopes will be longer than the European Championship in April – where she was knocked out after being disqualified.
The European Championship was never the peak since we aimed for the World Championship all the time. And I really feel in phase for it.
Simon Karlsson/TT
Facts: Women's rights in Iran
TT
In Iran, women do not have the same rights as men. For example, a woman must have permission from her father, husband, or other relative to apply for a passport.
From the age of nine, girls must wear a veil. The marriage age for girls has been raised from 9 to 13, but for boys, it's 15 years old.
More women than men are admitted to the country's universities, and more and more lawyers, doctors, and teachers are women, but at the same time, freedom and rights are limited. Source: Landguiden/Utrikespolitiska institutet
