S/Arabia, Afghanistan’s Athletes Compete 100m Heat With Hijabs

Sprinter Kariman Abuljadayel has made history, becoming the first woman to compete for Saudi Arabia in the 100m sprint.

Abuljadayel is among the four female Saudi athletes participating in the Rio Olympics.

Afghanistan’s Kamia Yousufi wore a full body suit as she came last in her race.

Their attire was created to comply with religious laws requiring that women preserve their dignity, however it was created to give them the freedom of movement required while running.

Saudi Arabia’s Kariman Abuljadayel looks at the results board after competing in the Women’s 100m Preliminary Round during the athletics event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 12, 2016.

You might notice Kariman Abuljadayel stands out from her fellow competitors, wearing a full-body kit and hijab.

Along with Abuljadayel, Sarah Attar, Lubna al-Omair and Wujud Fahmi competed for their country.

Attar is due to compete in the women’s marathon at 13:30 BST on Sunday.

Another Saudi Arabian, Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani, competed without a hijab in the judo competition in London, at the age of 16.

Saudi Arabia sent four women to the Games this year, two more than in 2012.

The conservative kingdom is the only country in the world that does not allow women to drive.