US President Barack Obama celebrated women athletes from Muslim nations who are making their debut in the Olympics as he marked the holy month of Ramadan.
“Here in America, we are incredibly proud of Team USA,” Obama said yesterday, noting that a majority of the American delegation to the London Olympics were female.
“Also, for the very first time in Olympic history, every team now includes a woman athlete — one of the reasons is that every team from a Muslim majority country now includes women as well,” Obama said, in a dinner grouping prominent members of the US Muslim community.
“That is worth applauding,” Obama said, as his audience in the State Dining Room of the White House for the annual Iftar dinner started to clap.
Among athletes making history in London was middle distance runner Sarah Attar who made history by becoming the first female athlete to represent Saudi Arabia in Olympic track and field.
Attar, one of two women sent to the London Games by Saudi Arabia finished a distant last in the 800m, nearly 44sec behind Kenya’s Janeth Busienei.
But Attar, 19, who wore a white hood, long-sleeved green top and black leggings, described appearing in the Olympics as “an incredible experience.”
“It is a historic moment. I hope it will make a difference. It is a huge step forward. It’s a really incredible experience,” said Attar, who was born and raised in the US.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Brunei all fielded female participants in the Olympics for the first time this year.