Saudi participation in Olympics is the first step
THE 30TH OLYMPIC games drew to a close on August the 12th, an event that was distinguished by the participation of two female athletes on the Saudi Arabian athletic team, Wojdan Shaherkani and American-born Sarah Attar. The mere participation of these women is, surely, enough to provoke a moment of both celebration and reflection, for it was, truly, a watershed event. This was the first time Saudi Arabian women have competed in an Olympiad. By doing so, while dressing in adherence to Shari’ah law in specially designed sporting hijabs and modest athletic garments suited to their events, Shaherkani and Attar have opened a door — maybe not fully, but considerably more than just a crack. For one thing, they have taken the very critical step of demonstrating that such a thing is in fact possible — a Saudi woman can compete on the basis of physical prowess in front of the entire world without compromising her identity, her integrity, or her modesty.
In short, it’s a start. But will we move on from here?
In one sense — and with all due respect to Attar and Shaherkani — their presence at the Olympics was mainly and fundamentally symbolic. Neither would have formally qualified in her event based on athletic merit. Rather, they were included under the universality clause; their participation was the entire point, not the likelihood that they would come home with a medal — which, of course, was never likely at all.
And home, in Attar’s case, is not in fact Saudi Arabia, but California. The college student holds a dual citizenship, being the child of an American mother and a Saudi father so she chose to participate under the Saudi flag. Uncharitable commentators have suggested that she did so because she would not qualify for the American team. For that matter, her donning of the hijab for the events had an air of performance about it too.
Nevertheless, the young woman has become a hero. Far from placing, she finished her race last, but to a standing ovation from the crowds. Clearly, in the minds of the world, she had accomplished something worthy. In post-event interviews, she proudly spoke of change and of paving the way for other Saudi women.
In short, she has helped to open a door. But who will walk through it now? That is the crucial question. Will this largely symbolic inclusiveness be enough to encourage Saudi female participation in Rio in 2016? Will there be a growth in support for athletic programs for women — programs that may allow us to groom young athletes to compete and to place and eventually to win?
What happened in London was important. Opening a door is the necessary precursor to stepping through it, to everything that lies beyond. But the next stet is absolutely crucial. The symbol will quickly grow stale if it is allowed to remain one.
Dr. Alaa Alghamdi
Assistant Professor — PhD in English Literature
Medina — Saudi Arabia
