Certain religions have requirements that can conflict with the demands of athletic
competition. For example, Islam requires women to dress modestly, leaving no skin
exposed except for their face and hands. This presents challenges for female athletes, as many sports uniforms leave most of the athlete’s body exposed. Despite these challenges, some female athletes have managed to improvise by layering full-coverage clothing under their uniforms. However, this issue has discouraged many young Muslim girls from participating in sports at all.
The Muslimah Sports Association (MSA) in England surveyed British Muslim women and found that while 80% participate in sports activities casually, only 9% do so at a competitive level (Khan). This disparity may be due to the limited availability of safe and accommodating spaces. For example, there are few women-only sessions for swimming, working out, or other sports, which are necessary for Muslim women to feel comfortable. Islam forbids women from showing their hair or skin to men who are not their husbands, close relatives, or young children. As a result, many women are discouraged from participating in sports at any level.
Overall, the MSA found that areas preventing participation include religious and cultural barriers, the lack of women-only spaces or facilities, the lack of modest sports attire, and the potential for encountering discrimination. These factors explain the high levels of interest but low levels of activity in sports among Muslim women (Khan).
In the summer of 2024, France is set to host the Summer Olympics. This major event has sparked a conversation about what attire should or should not be permitted. France's sports organization has banned its athletes from wearing hijabs when competing. This decision is due to “France’s strict separation of religion from the state, called laïcité” (The Conversation). Unsurprisingly, French Muslim athletes are upset by this ban, feeling that it prevents them from freely expressing their beliefs on one of the world's largest sports stages.
France justifies the ban by arguing that sports should be free from religious symbols to maintain neutrality and equality. However, Muslim athletes, especially females, feel targeted by the ban, viewing it as an infringement on religious freedom. Many see the ban as insensitive and marginalizing, forcing Muslim athletes to choose between their sport, which is also their career, and their religion, which is an essential part of their identity. Despite the backlash, the French government has not indicated any intention to change its stance on the issue.
In conclusion, the intersection of religious obligations and athletic commitments presents significant challenges for many athletes. Religious requirements, such as modest dress codes and fasting during holy months, can conflict with the demands of training and competition. The examples of Muslim and Jewish athletes illustrate the diverse ways individuals navigate these challenges, reflecting their personal values and priorities. The ongoing debates, such as France's hijab ban, highlight the broader conversation about religious freedom and self-expression in the world of sports.
Works Cited
Khan, Srosh. ““Slow Progress” on Barriers to Muslim Women in Sport.” BBC Sport, 28 Feb. 2023, www.bbc.com/sport/64796465.
The Conversation. “Paris Olympics: France’s Hijab Ban for Athletes Shows Its Struggle to Balance Religious Freedom with National Values.” Fast Company, 30 May 2024, www.fastcompany.com/91132955/france-hijab-ban-athletes-paris-olympics-religious- freedom-national-identity.
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