Marathon winner Sifan Hassan has been praised for a subtle protest against France’s policy toward the hijab during Sunday’s Olympics medal presentation in Paris, according to “The New Arab” website.
The Dutch athlete wore a maroon hijab while presenting her winners’ gold medal, which was viewed as a swipe at France’s ban on female athletes wearing the garment during the games.
While the Dutch athlete won praise for her marathon gold, her defiant stance toward the hijab ban was also hailed as heroism.
France was widely condemned for the hijab ban, which the government argued went against its opposition to displays of religious symbols during sporting events and the country’s commitment to secularism.
This policy is widely viewed as unfairly targeting Muslim women, many of whom see the head covering or other signs of modesty as an integral part of their faith.
The Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation said the ban “contradicts the principles of equality, inclusivity, and respect for cultural diversity that the Olympics stand for.”
Amnesty International also pointed out that it was evident that France’s “proclaimed efforts at improving gender equality and inclusivity in sports do not apply to one group of women and girls – those Muslim women and girls who wear religious head coverings.”
Hassan made history at the games by winning bronze medals in the 5,000 and 10,000-meter races just days before winning a gold medal in the marathon.
“I feel like I am dreaming,” Hassan said. “At the end, I thought, ‘This is just a 100-metre sprint, come on, Sifan, one more, just feel it, like someone who sprints 200 meters.”
The Paris Olympics Games ended on Sunday, with Arab athletes picking up medals, including Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who defied critics over false allegations about her gender by winning a gold medal on Friday.
