Muslim women sprinter wins Olympic sprint dressed head to toe in HIJAB

[Paindoo]

Muslim women sprinter wins Olympic sprint dressed head to toe in HIJAB

Sprinters have long been squeezing their muscular frames into the most eye-wateringly skimpy, tight and revealing costumes imaginable.

But one female athlete at this year’s Olympics is bucking the trend for bulging lycra and naked torsos.

In 2004, Bahrain's Ruqaya Al Ghasara, a devout Muslim, was the first athlete to ever take part in an Olympics wearing a hijab.

Bahrain's Roqaya Al-Gassra powers to victory in her 200m sprint heat today

Today, Al Ghasara won her heat of the women’s 200m sprint at the Bird's Nest stadium - despite being clothed head to foot.

Al Ghasara finished first followed by France's Muriel Hurtis-Houairi and Sri Lanka's Susanthika Jayasinghe.
Admittedly, Al Ghasara 's hijab is a rather sportier version of the traditional dress.

Clinging to her body as she powers down the track the hijab completely covers her head, arms and legs.
Known as a Hijood - or hijab combined with a sports hood - the costume was specially designed for Al Ghasara by an Australian sports clothing company.

It allows Muslim athletes to compete while still adhering to the strict modesty required of their faith.

Al-Gassra prays as she celebrates winning her 200m heat

Al Ghasara, who was the Bahrain flag-bearer at last week’s opening ceremony, jas said the Hijood has improved her performance.
'It’s great to finally have a high performance outfit that allows me to combine my need for modesty with a design made from breathable, moisture-controlled fabric,” she said.

'It’s definitely helped me to improve my times being able to wear something so comfortable and I’m sure it will help me to give my best performance at Beijing.

'I hope that my wearing the hijood sports top will inspire other women to see that modesty or religious beliefs don’t have to be a barrier to participating in competitive sports.'

In 2004 Al Ghasara defied objections from fundamentalists in her village to take part in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, running in the 100 metres.

And in 2006 she won the women’s 200m final at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha, making her the first Bahraini-born athlete to win a major international athletics gold medal.
Source: mailonsunday.co.uk

[ketchup]

Good job,
Here are some more information...

[Kulfi]

Amazimg ..... this is trend setting.
I remember a while ago there was an issue in Quebec where a soccer team player was not allowed to participate in the game because of hijaab. It was said that it will hinder in the player's ability to perform and because she can't see properly (??? !!!) she is a security risk ????
This will show them !

[BayNazir]

I am so proud right now to be a muslim women. I hope this sends a positive message to the world. I hope it tells them that we are not opressed (like they think) and Islam doesn't stop us from enjoying ourselves.
I am so happy for her.

[joegee]

I am soo happy for her. I can't imagine what she must be feeling. She is I guess first person to ever do that and her name will go down in history. I hope that sends out a strong message and i hope that world catches it.

[FunVaranda]

Good for you Girl ..... .show the world that Muslim girls do not shy away for anything.

[~fAsHioNCRAZY~]

Look at her hijab. It is so creative. I really really like it.
This is so great for the whole muslim ummah.

[~4AMCoffee!~]

Wow .... amazing .... marvalous .....
She made a history today and I am so proud and I feel more energetic. I have already shown her pictures to three of my co workers. I am so proud right now. We need more examples like that.

[KhanBaba]

Congrats ! Splendid win ....

I think Olympics is a greate platform for attracting positive attention to the religion. I am so proud of her and how confident she must have been to come that far and still be strong enough to stick to her morals. I wish there were more people like that.