Netherlands marathon champ Sifan Hassan a 'hero' for hijab gesture

Marathon winner Sifan Hassan has been praised for a subtle protest against France's policy toward the hijab during Sunday's Olympics medal presentation in Paris.

The Dutch athlete wore a maroon hijab during the presentation of her winners' gold medal, viewed as a swipe at France's ban on its female athletes from wearing the garment during the games.

While the Dutch athlete won praise for her marathon gold, her defiant stance toward the hijab ban saw her described as a hero.

"sifan hassan wearing her hijab at the closing ceremony as she gets the gold for winning the women’s marathon. in france.. where they’ve banned the hijab… my queen," one person wrote on X.

"Sifan Hassan getting her gold medal wearing a hijab in front of the people who banned its use in sports in France. ART AND POETRY," wrote another user.

France was widely condemned for the hijab ban, which the government argued went against its opposition to displays of religious symbols during sporting events and the country's commitment to secularism.

This policy is widely viewed as unfairly targeting Muslim women, many of whom see the head covering or other signs of modesty as an integral part of their faith.

The Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation said the ban "contradicts the principles of equality, inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity that the Olympics stand for".

Amnesty International also pointed out that it was evident that France's "proclaimed efforts at improving gender equality and inclusivity in sports do not apply to one group of women and girls - those Muslim women and girls who wear religious head coverings".

Hassan made history at the games after picking up bronze medals in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres races, just days before winning a gold in the marathon.

"I feel like I am dreaming,” Hassan said. "At the end I thought, 'This is just a 100 metre sprint, come on, Sifan, one more, just feel it, like someone who sprints 200 metres."

The Paris Olympics Games ended on Sunday, with Arab athletes picking up medals including Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who defied critics over false allegations about her gender by winning a gold medal on Friday.