Saudi athlete cheers 'empowering' Olympic experience
- 12 years ago
A 19-year-old has become the first female track and field athlete to represent Saudi Arabia at an Olympic Games.
Sarah Attar competed in the heats for the 800 metres.
Crowds cheered her efforts, despite crossing the line in last place.
SOUNDBITE: SAUDI ARABIA 800 METRES RUNNER, SARAH ATTAR, SAYING (English):
"Yeah you know we came into this knowing we weren't going to win. It was just they kind of pulled me along at the end, you know. Just to have that support, it really, you know, it really didn't matter that I didn't win or not but just being there and having all that support was the true accomplishment."
A female Saudi judoka also competed in the Games.
They were invited by Olympic officials who pressed Saudi Arabia to end a ban on women taking part.
SOUNDBITE: SAUDI ARABIA 800 METRES RUNNER, SARAH ATTAR, SAYING (English):
"Well I think it really shows that there's progress on its way and that we were allowed to compete it shows that more steps are going to come and that this is just an amazing thing and for women in Saudi Arabia I think it can be inspiring, you know, to not give up on your dreams because it can and will come true."
Some conservative Saudis have criticised the female participation.
But Attar hopes it will be the first appearance of many for Saudi women.
Sarah Attar competed in the heats for the 800 metres.
Crowds cheered her efforts, despite crossing the line in last place.
SOUNDBITE: SAUDI ARABIA 800 METRES RUNNER, SARAH ATTAR, SAYING (English):
"Yeah you know we came into this knowing we weren't going to win. It was just they kind of pulled me along at the end, you know. Just to have that support, it really, you know, it really didn't matter that I didn't win or not but just being there and having all that support was the true accomplishment."
A female Saudi judoka also competed in the Games.
They were invited by Olympic officials who pressed Saudi Arabia to end a ban on women taking part.
SOUNDBITE: SAUDI ARABIA 800 METRES RUNNER, SARAH ATTAR, SAYING (English):
"Well I think it really shows that there's progress on its way and that we were allowed to compete it shows that more steps are going to come and that this is just an amazing thing and for women in Saudi Arabia I think it can be inspiring, you know, to not give up on your dreams because it can and will come true."
Some conservative Saudis have criticised the female participation.
But Attar hopes it will be the first appearance of many for Saudi women.