Hailed as a role model Sarah Attar – who yesterday became the first Saudi Arabian woman to compete in Olympic athletics – hopes her participation in the London Games will “make a difference”.
Saudi Arabia finally ceded to allowing women to compete in the Olympics after years of lobbying from feminist groups prompted talks with the International Olympic Committee.
Wodjan Shaherkani, the other female member of the Saudi team, competed in the judo last week with Attar having to wait until Wednesday to make her appearance in the 800m.
And even though she came a distant last in the final heat finishing in two minutes, 44.95 seconds, the 19-year-old is aware that was the least important aspect of an historic day.
“It is the hugest honour to be here to represent the women of Saudi Arabia,” said Attar who received a standing ovation at the Olympics Stadium as she crossed the finishing line.
“It is an historic moment. I hope it will make a difference. It is a huge step forward. It’s a really incredible experience.”
Attar, who has dual United States citizenship and is a student at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, had said before the Games that she hoped that her participation at the Olympics would inspire Saudi women to get more involved in sports.
And her run has certainly inspiring many who watched her performance. “In a long time, I feel proud of being Saudi,” tweeted Yara Basharaheel. “Thank you, Sarah Attar.”
A girl by the name of Tahani also wrote on the social network site. “You are a role model, thank you for what you did.”
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