Puntabulous

I’m kinda in love with this woman: Roqaya Al-Gassra

From Zimbio: “Bahrain does not require its athletes compete in traditional Muslim garb, but Roqaya Al-Gassra chooses to sprint in a full hijab.”

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images AsiaPac)

It’s especially inspiring since other countries like Saudi Arabia don’t allow women to compete in the Olympics at all. For a more comprehensive article on the subject, check out this post on Feministing.

RANDOM | Craig | August 21, 2008 10:31 am

11 Comments

By Dave S., August 21, 2008 @ 10:36 am

Impressive. It really shows the strength of her convictions.
By Tam (Meee), August 21, 2008 @ 10:50 am

I saw her last night. We have a large Muslim community (probably 30% of the school) and a few of my daughter’s friends wear the hijab. Not all, but some. In fact one of the kids caused a big kafuffle in Montreal when she went to a soccer tournament (12-13 year olds) and they refused to let her play wearing the hijab (said it was dangerous) so the team pulled out and went home in support. It should be a personal choice, if you want to wear one then go for it, but if you don’t, no one should force you either.
By john, August 21, 2008 @ 11:57 am

I think this is fantastic. It is good to see a positive image of the Muslim faith and traditions/customs reported in the media, especially in light of the fact she was not required to wear a hijab.

Tam: That is fantastic that the team chose to support their player.
By Nicky, August 21, 2008 @ 11:57 am

It’s nice to see these kind of Olympic stories since a lot of the stories this year are about corruption (14 year old gold medalist anyone?)
By polt, August 21, 2008 @ 12:06 pm

Every so often you get an uplifting Olympic story like this one.

But what do you want to bet there’s a whole horde of knuckleheads around laughing at her running in this? Neatherthals.

HUGS…
By Mark, August 21, 2008 @ 1:49 pm

It’s cool that she’s wearing it when her Country doesn’t require her to. Muslims span the spectrum, just like Christians and Jews. Some people (Neanderthals) forget that.
By Îž_Heather, August 21, 2008 @ 5:21 pm

That’s really cool. Running (or is “track” the proper term?) has attracted some neat people over the years, like Abebe Bikila who won the gold in 1960 while running barefoot.
By Steven, August 21, 2008 @ 11:08 pm

That is great. Showing that you can be religious and be an athlete. Hopefully she will inspire another Muslim woman to pursue her dreams.
By Chris, August 22, 2008 @ 4:10 am

I haven’t been closely following the Olympics. My first reaction upon seeing that photo was disappointment at apparently seeing religious dogma trump practical consideration in her athletic clothing. However, as I read more about the athlete I saw that she claims to have made some of her best times in her hijab. Given that, I can’t so easily declare it impractical. The role of dogma and the way it influences and inspires people is complex. I ought to keep a broader view.
By Fatima, August 25, 2008 @ 5:40 pm

Im a young Muslim women who wears the headscarf and I was personally inspired and empowered by Roqaya. I hope one day, she can win the gold medal.

Tam – your story was amazing. I hope other people can be just as supportive as you guys

Chris – Its nice to see that your perspective on Roqaya changed after you learned more about her.
By Just Wondering, September 6, 2008 @ 2:24 pm

I thought the whole idea of the Muslim covering thing was to hide the shape of the female body. I can still see her curves, so I’ll bet she gets in trouble from the people who enforce these standards. Still, I’m glad she’s trying to push the envelope. Perhaps our values will creep into their society in the same way they are trying to creep theirs into ours.