There are dozens more Muslim women competing in London. Many of them are the very first female athletes chosen and allowed to compete for their countries. They’ve cleared opposition and prejudices on their path to the Games. 

Saudi Arabian judoka Wodjan Shahrkhani, and Afghan runner Tahmina Kohistani are some of the first female Olympians to represent their countries. Kohistani said she is not at the Olympics to win a medal, but to open a new way for the women of Afghanistan. Qatar, Oman, Yemen and Somalia followed suit.

Muslim women are competing in about half of all events at the London games.