Monday, August 18, 2008

First Arab-Muslim To Win Gold Medal at 2008 Olympic


American swimmer Michael Phelps probably the most dominant figure in swimming pool. Having won 8 gold medals in single Olympic Games made him the most decorated athlete in the history of Olympic. The ‘Baltimore Bullet’ also broke the old time record made by his fellow countryman Mark Spitz with 7 Olympic gold medals under his belt.

But shocker of the day comes from Tunisian’s swimmer Oussama Mellouli. The 24-year swimmer won gold medal in the men's 1500 metres freestyle on Sunday, claiming his country's first Olympic gold since the 1968 Mexico City Games. He also becomes the first Arab to win gold medal in this year’s games.

The swimmer, who returned from an 18 month-doping ban beat favourite Australian Grant Hackett by a body length to win the medal in 14 minutes, 40.84 seconds. Hackett is also the record holder for the discipline.

After all, all eyes probably will focused on the women 200m, where hijab clad athlete Ruqaya al-Ghasara will be in action. We’re hoping at least that the Asian champion will make it to the final of women 200 metres and land another medal for Muslim all over the world. Any colour will do.

Miracles are possible.

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