15 September 2000
Washington, D.C. — In 1991 she was the first African woman to win a world title. A year later, by winning the 1500m race at Barcelona she became the first Algerian to win Olympic gold. Muslim fundamentalists were not happy and publicly denounced women who "dare display thier nudity before the whole world." Although she is now 33, she has always run and won by carefully measuring her reserves and energy - she continues to pose a threat to younger challengers.
RELATED LINKS
New Yorker feature article by Mark Danner: Running Free: The Trials Of Hassiba Boulmerka
Coolrunning.com's article on the problems facing women athletes in some Islamic communitiesThe IOC Urged To Promote Sports For Muslim Women
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