In 1992, Hassiba Boulmerka became the first Arab woman (and African) to win a gold medal in Olympic history in Barcelona, Spain in the 1,500 meter. After her victory in the Olympics, Boulmerka could no longer train in her home country of Algeria. She was constantly harassed by fundamental Muslim groups and was even sent death threats, because she had dared to show her legs during the race. She was forced to move to Europe so she could safely continue her training. Boulmerka still considers herself a good Muslim. She equates Islam with peace and tolerance, and was determined to not let fundamentalists stop her from pursuing her dreams. In 1993, she earned a bronze medal in the 1,500 meter competition in Stuttgart, Germany. Two years later, she competed in Gothenburg, Sweden, and won a second gold medal in the event. Boulmerka retired in 1997 but she has remained outspoken in her opposition to any form of oppression of women. She publically condemns Islamist extremism and especially restrictions placed upon women, particularly in athletics. She captured international attention in 1999 by specifically accusing Mexico and Pakistan (and other Muslim countries) of discriminating against women athletes. She appealed to the International Olympic Commission (IOC) to campaign to stop what she called terrorism against women. Later that year, she was among the first Olympians directly elected to the Athletes’ Commission of the IOC.
L. Kinnaman KIN 332I.S2 T&TH 9:30am
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