Kariman Abuljadayel becomes first woman to compete for Saudi Arabia in 100m at Olympic Games

Sprinter Kariman Abuljadayel has made history, becoming the first Saudi woman to compete in the 100m at the Olympics. While she finished the race seventh in a preliminary heat, failing to qualify for the final, the 22-year-old won over a legion of admirers around the world.

Kariman made a striking entrance on the track, wearing a full-bodykit and hijab in adherence with a diktat by the Saudi Olympic Committee that demands that all female competitors would be dressed 'to preserve their dignity'.

Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on women competing in the Olympics in 2012 after being threatened with an Olympic ban if they excluded women. It was then that Sarah Attar became the first female track athlete to compete for Saudi Arabia in the Olympics and the first to compete in a hijab.

Kariman is one of four women from the Middle Eastern country to compete in the Rio Games alongside Attar, Judoka Joud Fahmy, and fencer Lubna Al-Omair.

Fans took to social media to celebrate Kariman's achievement in representing Saudi Arabia in the race.