Welp, it's only a matter of time now before Saudi Arabian women start parading around with their hair uncovered, making their own decisions, and otherwise totally dyking out.
Caving to international pressure from human rights groups who wanted to ban the nation from the Olympics, Saudi Arabia has agreed to allow female athletes to represent their country in the Olympics for the very first time. Conservative Muslims in Saudi Arabia have often spoken out against the participation of women and girls in sports, and physical education is banned for girls in Saudi schools.
In 2009, a senior Muslim cleric said girls risk losing their virginity by participating in energetic sports, because they could tear their hymens. Imagine!
Of course, since Saudi women aren't allowed to do sports & whatnot**, they don't exactly have an abundance of Olympic-caliber athletes to send to London.
Equestrian show jumper Dalma Rushdi Malhas is the Kingdom's top female athlete, and the most likely to represent Saudi Arabia this summer. Malhas won a bronze medal in 2010 at the Youth Olympics.
Born in Ohio, the 20-year-old is originally Palestinian, and has gained Saudi citizenship. She speaks four languages, which she uses to advocate for women's participation in sports.
"I am determined to give my best to reach their (men's) level one day and prove that all women athletes, all over the world, should be given equal opportunities," Malhas said in 2010, brazenly delivering her message with her hair uncovered.
**Whatnot here defined as holding a driver's license, or working, travelling or opening a bank account without a man's permission.
Equestrian show jumper Dalma Rushdi Malhas is the Kingdom's top female athlete, and the most likely to represent Saudi Arabia this summer. Malhas won a bronze medal in 2010 at the Youth Olympics.
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