“Historic Olympic Moment: Hijab-Wearing Gold Medalist Sparks Controversy and Defiance in France’s Xenophobia Debate!”
The 31-year-old stood on the podium alongside team Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, who took silver, and team Kenya’s Hellen Obiri, who claimed bronze.
In addition to her sports achievements, many took notice of Sifan’s choice to wear a hijab — a headscarf worn by some Muslim women to cover their hair and neck as a sign of modesty and religious observance — an alternative decision from what she wore while competing.
Team Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan ignited global praise after accepting her gold medal at the final 2024 Paris Olympic Games
Image credits: Photo Agency/Getty
An Instagram user commented: “The last medalist of Paris 2024 is a woman who chooses to wear hijab.
“The irony of that being in a host country that bans hijab in sport is incredible.”
A person wrote: “How ironic! A slap in the face of xenophobic France, which prevented its own athletes from participating because of their hijabs.
“And there stands Sifan proudly receiving her gold medal while wearing her hijab. FANTASTIC!”
“SUCH A STATEMENT WEARING HIJAB THANK YOU SISTER,” a netizen added.
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Someone else shared: “It’s so fitting that you would get the honor of getting the last medal ceremony!
“What a special moment for the most amazing feat in athletics!”
A separate individual chimed in: “The message that you displayed is absolutely amazing!
“Thank you for all the French hijabi athletes that didn’t get the chance to compete because of french islamophobia!”
