Olympics…Can You See Me Now?

When the Olympics first began, only freeborn men and boys could take part in the Olympic Games (servants and slaves were allowed to participate only in the horse races). Women were forbidden, on penalty of death, even to see the Games. In 396 B.C. , however, a woman from Rhodes successfully defied the death penalty. When her husband died, she continued the training of their son, a boxer. She attended the Games disguised as a man and was not recognized until she shouted with joy over her son's victory. Her life was spared because of the special circumstances and the fact that her father and brothers had been Olympians.

The Olympics have come a long way since that fateful day, but there are still some countries that do not allow their female citizens to participate in the games.  In the ThinkProgress Article,  states that Saudi Arabia is finally allowing its female citizens to compete at the Olympics.  While gender discrimination still runs rampant and continues to try to clip the wings of the women of Saudi Arabia, this is certainly a step in the right direction. 

Dalma Rushdi Malhas, rider likely to represent Saudi Arabia in London