Laleh Seddigh

Laleh Seddigh ({{langx|fa|لاله صدیق}}; born 1977 in Tehran) is an Iranian racing driver.{{Cite web|url=http://lalehseddigh.com/biography.htm|title=LALEH BIOGRAPHY|website=lalehseddigh.com|access-date=2019-10-19}} She has been described as 'one of the most celebrated sportswomen in Iran'.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/mar/04/motorracing.features|title=Iran's speed queen|last=Tait|first=Robert|date=2007-03-04|website=the Guardian|language=en|access-date=2018-05-05}}

Biography

=Early life=

Seddigh started driving at the age of 13, taught by her father. She passed her driving test at 18.Girl Racer, BBC, 2008.

=Career=

Seddigh had to get special permission from a local ayatollah in order to compete against men. Permission was given since driving is not deemed a contact sport, and on the condition that Seddigh would conform to dress-codes.

Seddigh has said that she will not leave Iran as she is 'most effective' in promoting women's rights in Iran. Seddigh has trained other female racing drivers.{{Cite news|url=https://womenintheworld.com/2015/11/20/how-one-woman-overcame-irans-patriarchy-to-become-its-first-female-champion-race-car-driver/|title=How one woman overcame Iran’s patriarchy to become its first female champion race car driver|date=2015-11-20|work=Women in the World|access-date=2018-05-05|language=en-US}}

=Media=

Seddigh's story is featured in a BBC TV documentary called Girl Racer, transmitted in 2008.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/1079220.html|title=Iranian Racing Authorities Stall Woman's Fast-Track Career|website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|language=en|access-date=2019-10-19}}

References

External links

{{Official website|http://www.lalehseddigh.com/}}

Category:Iranian racing drivers

Category:Female racing drivers

Category:1977 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century Iranian sportswomen

Category:Sportspeople from Tehran