It’s tough enough running a 200m race against the best sprinters in the world, and it’s hard enough to do it in 85-degree weather. But to have to wear a full body suit when everyone else is in shorts and tanktops: borderline cruel. That’s what Bahrain sprinter Roqaya Al-Gassra faced these Olympics, holding to Islamic law and covering all of her body but her face and hands as she ran through to the semifinals and missed the finals by 0.11 seconds.
The men of Bahrain, of course, don’t have to cover themselves, and runner Rashid Ramzi won the 1500m, Bahrain’s first Olympic medal ever. I wonder how Al-Gassra might have done if Islamic law didn’t handicap her, and she was treated equal to the men.
By Cyd Zeigler jr.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Dan // Aug 23, 2008 at 3:46 am
That’s a very interesting tidbit. Al-Gassra’s suit does reminds me of the racing suit Cathy Freeman wore when she won 400m sprint at Sydney in 2000.
At least there is no controversy over head scarf and sports at the Olympics. (There was 2 controversies in recent years in Canada. One in soccer and the other in taekwondo. Those issues might come ahead in future…)
Anyway, very interesting entry indeed.
2 Ant // Aug 25, 2008 at 1:10 pm
I think its great that she even got to compete and that there was no controversy over the clothing. Let us not overlook the great accomplishment it is to even become an Olympian. I think it is speculation to suggest that her attire-something she DECIDED to wear-handicapped her performance. To speak of her as if she is oppressed, like she didn’t have a choice. If Michael Phelps decided to wear a full bodysuit by choice, would that have affected his performance? Would that make him less of a champion? She obviously is dressed a certain way because she is following her beliefs and it manifests itself in her outer appearance. Islam is about modesty so tank tops and underwear are not an option for muslim men or women.
3 Sarah // Aug 25, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Thanks for this wonderful post! However, I do believe that this suit would actually help her to run faster. Al-Gassra’s suit is very much in line with aerodynamics. Im not a physicist but from what Ive read, these types of suits help people run faster because it reduces friction against the wind. Dan - you are right about Cathy Freeman wearing a similar suit. She chose to wear it because she believed it would help her with her running and it did. Freeman won the gold medal for the 400m back in 2000 Olympics… the suit didnt handicap her and I dont think it handicapped Al-Gassra, either.
4 marc // Jun 25, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I just think this is stupid , muslim women should compete freely, maybe in 3OO years..
5 yameen // Oct 5, 2009 at 12:26 pm
i think marc is idiot i.e.., the only reason why he is speaking like that
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