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Middle East’s female Olympians

Saudi Arabia’s and Qatar’s decision to send female athletes to London makes the 2012 Games the first where every country has a woman on its team.

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Wojdan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shaherkani — Saudi Arabia

Shaherkani gestures as she walks with the Saudi contingent during the London Games’ Opening Ceremonies. Saudi Arabia's first female Olympic athletes dressed in traditional hijabs for the festivities. International Judo Federation President Marius L. Vizer said Shaherkani, 16, would have to fight without a hijab, a decision that is likely to cause controversy in Saudi Arabia, where women’s participation in sports has long been a contentious issue.

Suzanne Plunkett / Reuters

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