First female Olympian to run for Saudi Arabia
Sarah Attar
At the Olympic Games London 2012, a last place finish was still a first, and it helped change the lives of women in Saudi Arabia forever.
Redefining victory
At London 2012, Attar took to the track for her 800m heat. The competition pulled ahead and for 32 seconds, Attar ran alone. But crossing the line was no defeat. Tens of thousands in the crowd stood to applaud, showing the world the impact her race was about to have.
Consider if this is too far reaching. Consider the following “her race impacted many in years to come.” or something along those lines.
Athletic access was limited for Saudi women
Before 2012, recreational and competitive sport was out of reach for many females in Saudi Arabia. Here, obesity rates were rising, mostly amongst women and girls, impacting the health of a nation.
Consider if this should say for many women and girls. Have updated to females so as not to be repetitive of next sentence.
Since 2012 Obesity rates for women and girls have fallen by 4%. Sarah Attar finished her race without a medal but proved that some firsts are greater than gold.
Legacy greater than gold
After London 2012, things began to change for women’s sport in Saudi Arabia. In 2013, the first sports center for women opened. The following year, the Saudi government voted to introduce physical education in schools for girls and in 2018, the first all-female cycling race drew 1,500 women.
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