Weird But True

Saudi Arabia Enters 20th Century, Allows Women To Participate In Olympics

Except for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, women have always participated. They even were able to participate in the Ancient Games, though only as horse owners. As of today, only three countries have never sent a woman to the Games: Qatar, Brunei and Saudi Arabia. The first two previously announced that they’re sending women to London this summer… and now, finally, Saudi Arabia has announced it will “oversee participation of women athletes who can qualify.”

For the record, this doesn’t mean that a Saudi woman will definitely compete in this year’s Games. But the Jakarta Globe article linked above goes on to disclose that equestrian contestant Dalma Malhas, a 2010 Youth Olympics bronze medalist for the U.S., is likely to qualify for Saudi Arabia. (Malhas was born in the U.S.)

The Saudi government is worried about potential backlash, but said that they “believe Saudi society will accept this.” It’s remarkable that it took this long, but better late than never. We’ll be cheering for Malhas – it remains to be seen if her country will be, too.

[Jakarta Globe]