The Paris 2024 Olympics unfolded like a Persian rug, full of colourful triumphs, fails and poignant moments that dominated the headlines. However, there were many fine silk threads that wove a bigger story, the remarkable performances of Muslim athletes who defied odds, shattered records, and left an indelible mark on the world stage, Alhamdulillah!
As the Paris Olympics drew to a close this week, we thought we’d take a moment to bask in the glory of our brothers and sisters and relive some of the stand-out moments that made the ummah proud!
Br Arshad Nadeem stepped onto the javelin field like a man who had one shot at freedom! His throw—a lightning bolt hurled across the stadium—soared to 92.97 metres, breaking barriers and hearts. As the crowd held its breath, Nadeem etched Pakistan’s name in gold. Behind the win, his story of years of gruelling training, countless early mornings, and a relentless pursuit of perfection despite his limited means made his victory a testament to resilience and the power of trusting in Allah.
Algerian Sr Imane Khelif’s journey to gold was a saga of courage in the face of adversity. She faced doubters who questioned her strength, her resolve, and even her gender. We loved how Khelif shut out the noise, and let her fists do the talking.
Her bout against China’s Yang Liu was a symphony of determination—a dance of strategy and focus. When the referee raised her hand, Khelif became a hero in the eyes of sisters young and old, everywhere.
In the wrestling arena, Br Saeid Esmaeili Leivesi moved like a panther. His every step taut with purpose. When he pinned Algeria’s Br Ishak Ghaiou, the crowd erupted. But Leivesi’s victory was more than a medal; it was a tribute to generations of Iranian wrestlers who grappled with tradition, sacrifice, and sweat. His gold was a nod to the dusty mats of local gyms, where prayers took root and became reality.
Speaking of light feet, Br Soufiane El Bakkali danced over hurdles like a deer being chased by a hungry lion. His steeplechase was a rhythmic masterpiece—a fusion of speed, grace, and sheer willpower. As he crossed the finish line, Morocco erupted.
Sr Sifan Hassan’s performance etched her name in history as a runner’s runner . In the marathon’s final stretch, she sprinted like a barn on fire. The clock read 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 55 seconds—an Olympic record. As she crossed the line, Hassan’s tears flowed, and so did ours. Her gold was for the Netherlands, her Ethiopian roots, her Dutch home, and every sister who hits the early morning pavement.
Then there was the outstanding performance of our Fencing Maverick Br Fares Ferjani from Tunisia. Who didn’t choke back a lumpy throat when he accepted his medal, whispering, “For my grandmother, who believed in me.”
Last but not least, the coolest guy at the shooting range had to be Br Yusuf Dikec. His firm nonchalance and no-frills attitude won him alpha-male status for the next decade and beyond. His silver win was a nod to every backyard dreamer who aimed for the stars with duct-taped pistols.
There were so many other stand out victories, Azerbaijani brothers secured a total of 7 medals and 17 medals claimed by our Arab brothers and sisters from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar.
MNATION congratulates all the winners and those who participated in the Games; may Allah bless them for their hard work, commitment and dedication. Thanks for being such an inspiration for young and old! Onwards and upwards inshallah!
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