London 2012 Olympics: Saudis allow women to compete

[tabatha]

Saudi Arabia is to allow its women athletes to compete in the Olympics for the first time.

A statement issued by the Saudi Embassy in London says the country's Olympic Committee will "oversee participation of women athletes who can qualify". The decision will end recent speculation as to whether the entire Saudi team could have been disqualified on grounds of gender discrimination.

Women's sport is still fiercely opposed by many Saudi religious conservatives. There is almost no public tradition of women participating in sport in the country.

Saudi officials say that with the Games now just a few weeks away, the only female competitor at Olympic standard is showjumper Dalma Rushdi Malhas.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18571193

[Bonhomme Richard]

1. Do they still have to wear the burkas? n/t

[seabeyond]

2. when a girl spends all her youth and teen years working toward a goal and competing

it takes away all the social conditioning that we are less, inferior, in capable.

it builds confidence like nothing else.

it is a fearful place to be as a society when you want to control women.

[sadbear]

3. It's got to be hard to swim in a burqa.

Just kidding!

But seriously, let's congratulate the Saudis in a progressive move away from religious oppression.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

8. Only if the horse jumps into the water.

The rider loses points for falling into the water. Even more points for drowning, I think.

Maybe next olympics (Brazil?) Saudis will send a women's water polo squad. Or synchronized swimming.

[Iggy]

4. Wow...

How generous of the ruling male elites in the House of Saud.

Maybe 100 years from now women will be allowed to drive cars there.

[etherealtruth]

5. Its a baby step forward ...

... but, at least it is a forward motion

[Quantess]

6. I find it odd that countries like these are not embarrassed.

How can they have any pride as a culture, when one half of the population so heavily oppresses the other?

[msongs]

7. the blasphemy police will be after you for that "-) nt

[Quantess]

10. Not yet.

But really, I think and reflect on this: This is your people, these are your family, your relatives, who closely share your DNA and you treat them worse than dogs. I think to myself, that these cultures are abusing and oppressing themselves.

[4th law of robotics]

9. Will they be fielding a beach volley ball team?

[seabeyond]

11. the committee made more options so the women can participate. isnt that grand

that they are less restrictive demanding what the women wear to raise viewership on an athletic competition.