Saudi Arabia sent four women to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, doubling its female participation. Two women competed at the 2012 London Games—the first time women from the Muslim nation competed.
Two women will participate in track and field, one in judo, and one in fencing.
The track and field athletes are Sarah Attar, who competed in 2012, and Cariman Abu al-Jadail. Judoka Wujud Fahmi and fencer Lubna al-Omair are the other competitors.
A total of 11 Saudi athletes are competing in Rio. The International Olympic Committee gave the four Saudi women wild card entries.
Some things are slowing changing for women in Saudi Arabia, The country recently appointed a female—Princess Reema bint Bandar—to head a new department for women in the kingdom's General Authority for Sports.
Some things aren't changing. Women in Saudi Arabia are bound by strict rules of dress. They cannot be seen by men while wearing shorts. Most women in Saudi Arabia cover their hair and face with a veil known as the niqab.
Saudi female athletes will participate in line with the kingdom's social guidelines. They will adhere to Muslim traditional and religious requirements regarding attire and the sports they participate in.
What do you think when you see pictures like the one of Sarah Attar?
