CHANGE-MAKERS
While individuals may encounter difficulties in life simply because of their gender, skin colour, religion or country of origin, the Games, with the diversity of the athletes who take part, champion the right to be different. Participating at the Games may not change the world, but it can certainly help make a difference.
Hassiba Boulmerka (1992-08-05) by IOCThe Olympic Museum
HASSIBA BOULMERKA (ALG, ATHLETICS) - 1968-...
A race not without consequences.
In 1936, in Berlin, Turkey’s Halet Cambel became the first Muslim woman to compete in the Olympic Games. Representing a progressive country, she did not wear a veil. Fifty-six years later, in 1992 in Barcelona, Algeria’s Hassiba Boulmerka, also competing without a veil, in the 1,500m, won her country’s first ever Olympic medal.
The victory was a moment of national pride for Algeria, and Boulmerka received great acclaim. However, as she did not abide by the religious tradition of wearing the Islamic veil, she was also subject to criticism and even threats when she returned home.
Her medal was a reward not only for her performance, but also for her courage in defying taboos and pursuing her passion.
Out in front
A victory for an entire country
National tribute to a female star
Take a look at other inspiring Change-Maker portraits in our webdoc.
change-makers.blog-tom.com
Useful information about The Olympic Museum in Lausanne www.olympic.org/museum
