Atlanta ( CNN ) -- The International Weightlifting Federation has modified its rules and will allow athletes to wear a full-body , tight-fitted unitard during competition , the group said . Wednesday 's rule change was prompted by an Atlanta woman , who wanted to take part in competitions governed by IWF rules but still adhere to the modest dress of her Muslim faith . `` Weightlifting is an Olympic Sport open for all athletes to participate without discrimination on the basis of race , color , religion , sex , age , or national origin in accordance with the principles of the Olympic Charter and values , '' Tamas Ajan , IWF president , said Wednesday . `` This rule modification has been considered in the spirit of fairness , equality and inclusion . '' Before the change , the IWF 's technical and competition rules said weightlifting outfits -- officially called `` costumes '' -- had to be collarless and not cover the elbows or knees . Abdullah , a 35-year-old with a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering , is not an Olympic athlete , but enjoys lifting weights . She generally wears loose , long pants past the ankles , a long-sleeve , fitted shirt with a loose T-shirt over it , and a hijab , or head scarf , covering her hair . `` It 's what I believe in . It 's what I 've chosen to do , '' Abdullah told CNN this month about her decision to wear modest garb . `` I 've always dressed this way publicly . '' She can deadlift 245 pounds ( 111 kg ) and get up 105 pounds ( 47.5 kg ) in the snatch , in which the competitor lifts the barbell from the floor to over her head in a single motion . She likes to compete with other women in her weight class -- she generally weighs in the 106-pound ( 48 kg ) or 117-pound ( 53 kg ) classifications . `` It guess it 's empowering , '' she says . `` There 's a lot of technique involved , so someone who 's this big muscular person -- it 's possible I could lift more than they do . There 's speed and timing to it -- you have to be explosive . I think it 's great just for confidence building ... I guess I got hooked . '' The review was prompted by the Atlanta resident wanting to take part in tournaments in the United States , including one coming up in July . But USA Weightlifting informed her that those events are governed by IWF rules , which at that time precluded her dressing in keeping with her beliefs . Abdullah says she understands the need to make sure she is n't wearing anything under her clothes to give her a competitive advantage . She says judges could check to make sure she is not wearing something on her elbows , for example , that might help her . Numerous athletic agencies have faced similar questions in the past and , in some cases , have determined that allowing special clothing violates fairness or equality among all contestants . FIFA , the international federation governing soccer , recently refused to allow Iran 's women 's soccer team to wear headscarves while playing in an Olympic qualifying round in Amman , Jordan . Abdullah told CNN her effort is not just about herself . `` I should at least try , '' she said , `` if not for me then maybe for other women who -- if they have my faith or another faith -- dress a certain way . '' CNN 's Josh Levs contributed to this report .
Kulsoom Abdullah wants to keep her body covered during official competitions . The International Weightlifting Federation modifies its rules . Hide Caption 1 of 11 Photos: