Kulsoom Abdullah will get her chance to prove how strong she is at the U.S. weightlifting championships in July after she proved how tough she is as an advocate.

Abdullah, 35, who was born and raised in Georgia and boasts a PhD in computer networking from Georgia Tech, qualified for the championships, but she was ruled out because, as a Muslim, she refuses to compete without wearing her hijab. 

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported yesterday that after a challenge from Abdullah, the International Weightlifting Federation approved new guidelines that give women "the option of dressing in attire that doesn't leave their legs and arms exposed." 

The barrier came to national attention this week after msnbc.com's Kari Huus spotlighted Abdullah's dilemma.  

"I think it would just be nice that in any sport, if there's a lady who covers her arms and legs … they could still be involved," Abdullah told Huus. Turning to her chosen sport, which is male-dominated, she added: "With the dress code (as it is) Muslim women might think it's not something they should do."

Abdullah said yesterday that she was "really happy" with the ruling, telling the Journal-Constitution:

"The one advantage to all of this is that it raised a lot of awareness. I hope it will help with other sports that other (Muslim) women participate in." 

By Kerry Sanders, NBC News Correspondent

ORLANDO, Fla – It's come to fisticuffs.

The spectators who line up each day for seats in the Casey Anthony courtroom turned on each other early Friday.

Fists were thrown and there was scratching and a lot of screaming as more than 100 people jockeyed for position in line.

Each day there are between 50 and 62 seats for the public to enter the courtroom on the 23rd floor at the Orange County Courthouse.

Daily, the court administration hands out tickets.

'Running of the bulls'
In the 21 days this trial has been under way, the scene has become increasingly uglier.

Some call it "the running of the bulls" because no one is allowed on the court property to line up until 5:30 a.m.

In an admirable display of self-regulation, a few days ago those in line began writing numbers on the back of their hands with a Sharpie marker.

That seemingly eliminated the need for the "running of the bulls."

But Friday morning, several folks decided that self-regulation system was "illegal."

Pushing and shoving was followed by punching and screaming.

Orlando police responded. Several of those in line were pulled out.

If it all sounds like those scenes from a bargain basement sale on Black Friday remember: this is a murder trial.

It just takes a quick trip to the 23rd floor here to remember: Two-year-old Caylee Anthony is dead. If convicted of first-degree murder, her 25-year-old mother Casey Anthony could be sentenced to death.

This trial has turned into yet another reality show.

And outside, there's a shameful circus.