Attar wants her run to matter! Saudi athlete jogs into history books
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Sarah Attar hopes to make a difference after becoming the first Saudi Arabian woman to compete in Olympic athletics.
Saudi Arabia finally ceded to allowing women to compete in the Olympics after years of lobbying from feminist groups prompted talks with the International Olympic Committee.
Wodjan Shaherkani, the other female member of the Saudi team, competed in the judo last week with Attar having to wait to make her appearance.
Happy to be here: Sarah Attar smiles and waved to the crowd before her race
And she's off: Sarah Attar at the start of the 800m heat
And even though she came a distant last in the final heat of the 800 metres, the 19-year-old is aware that was the least important aspect of an historic day.
'It is the hugest honour to be here to represent the women of Saudi Arabia,' she said. 'It is an historic moment. I hope it will make a difference. It is a huge step forward. It’s a really incredible experience.'
Off the pace: Sarah Attar was alone on the track for much of the race
Attar wore a white headscarf and black leggings for her race, smiled and waved to the crowd as she was announced and finished in two minutes, 44.95 seconds. Janeth Jepkosgei won the heat in 2:01:04.
Attar drew a huge roar of approval from the crowd of about 80,000 as she strode down the home stretch and she will now return to Pepperdine University in California.
Roared home: Sarah Attar got a great reception from the crowd as she finished her 800m heat
Straight talker: Sarah Attar had plenty to say after running into the history books
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/olympics/article-2185435/London-2012-Olympics-Sarah-Attar-jogs-history.html#ixzz22y3ZLDAA