Sprinter says Muslim garb makes her faster

The Associated Press ^ | Dec 12, 2006 | The Associated Press

[DogByte6RER]

Sprinter says Muslim garb makes her faster

Article published Dec 12, 2006

The Associated Press

DOHA, Qatar - Sprinter Ruqaya Al Ghasara of Bahrain isn't held back by running in a hijab, a full Muslim headscarf. In fact, she says, it makes her even quicker.

''Wearing traditional Muslim dress has encouraged me. It's not an obstacle - quite the opposite,'' said Al Ghasara, who won the gold medal in the 200 meters on Monday night in 23.19 seconds.

The bronze medalist earlier in the 100, Al Ghasara is instantly recognizable in her full-length running suit that leaves her hands and face exposed. It's only traditional in spirit, however: The fabric is clingy and stretchable and her white hajib headwear bears the swoosh trademark of her sponsor.

Al Ghasara said her outfit is a personal choice, although custom weighs heavily. While other Bahraini female athletes compete in the clothing more typical of their sports, many are naturalized Bahraini citizens who were not raised Muslim.

Yet Al Ghasara, who claims U.S. sprinter Marion Jones as a role model, said she hoped her clothing choice would inspire other Muslim women to join competitive sports.

[DogByte6RER]

"Sprinter Ruqaya Al Ghasara of Bahrain isn't held back by running in a hijab, a full Muslim headscarf. In fact, she says, it makes her even quicker."

Oh yeah?

Well if the hijab makes her run faster, then by using her logic a full head to toe burqua should make her run even faster!

Go figure!

[DogByte6RER]

Bahrain's Ruqaya Al Ghasara celebrates after winning gold in the final of the Women's 200m at the Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.

[ConservaTexan]

The hijab makes it easier for her to hide her testicles!

[dfwgator]

Yet Al Ghasara, who claims U.S. sprinter Marion Jones as a role model, said she hoped her clothing choice would inspire other Muslim women to join competitive sports.

It's not that the women lack inspiration, it's more that the men won't let them.

[r9etb]

Egad ... she looks like the love child of Bob Denver and Michael Dukakis.

[Last Laugh]

I went to the link.

In the picture she looks like a man. Wonder what the hiijab is REALLY hiding?

[Robert A Cook PE]

Psycho effects can help a person.

But, then again, consider that REAL runners are streamlining and using plastic to cut air resistance, I'd go with wind tunnel test results over a Middle Age dress code based on 100+ degree desert temperatures.

[dfwgator]

She looks like Barack Obama in that picture.

[the_devils_advocate_666]

You are not kidding!

[edcoil]

The head cover is sponsored by Nike???

Yup, guess I have seen it all.

[bigfootbob]

She may have a point. With all the beheadings and genital mutilations females are subjected to in the religion of pieces, it is probably instinctive, kind of like the reaction triggered in dogs when they encounter moving cars.

[Axeslinger]

so Nike is now making hijabs? WTF?

[Asfarastheeastisfromthewest...]

Barak Obama? Do you have a secret life as a 'female' Muslim sprinter?

[Last Laugh]

The hijab makes it easier for her to hide her testicles!

LOL! You said that quicker and better than I did.

[CTK YKC]

Shes a MAN baby!

[OpusatFR]

That's a woman? Somebody needs to do a DNA test on "her."

[monkapotamus]

[KosmicKitty]

Hides the fact she's a man, baby!

[The_Victor]

Egad ... she looks like the love child of Bob Denver and Michael Dukakis.

ROTFLMAO...

...and ew.

[monkapotamus]

*monk laughs