Athletes of the Islamic faith have more than just their opposition to contend with in London as their holy month of Ramadan also coincides with the Games.
The annual ritual commenced on July 20th.
Most lay people are aware of the most prominent of its practices, which is the abstaining from sustenance of food and water during daylight hours.
However, the basic principles also require followers to abstain from any practice of self indulgence including physical desires or anything where you may gain benefit from another person to their detriment. Basically, the principle is to be pure in thought as well as deed.
Considering how much scientific research goes into an athlete’s nutrition and hydration these days, the fasting period for Ramadan must surely present Muslim athletes with a huge dilemma.
A study was conducted in 2008 by Rashid Aziz, Performance Physiology Unit, Singapore Sports Institute, on how much the fasting effective the athlete’s performance.
It was found there was only minimal impact on the short duration athletes such as sprinters but definite effects on any event of longer duration which stands to reason.
Of course, weather conditions play a huge part as well and the milder climes of London may be a reprieve in this case.
The conflict of devout faith is nothing knew to sport and the Olympics. The most famous example was in 1924 when devout Christian, Eric Liddell withdrew from the heats of the 100 metres because they were run on a Sunday, his Sabbath. The story was immortalised in the Academy Award wining film, Chariots of Fire.
Also, British triple jump world record holder Jonathon Edwards missed the 1991 world championships for the same reason. He later relented and went on to break the world record twice in 1995 in Gothenburg during the world championships.
Some Muslim athletes perhaps may chose to defer the fasting practice until after their event.
Al-Azhar scholar Abdel-Moeti Bayoumi said, “Muslim athletes should fast, but they could opt out if fasting imposes ‘extreme difficulties’ when they compete.
“The decision is between the athlete and God in the end.”
k77sujith
Guest
The committee should've taken that into consideration during the scheduling of the Games. Nevertheless, whilst most muslims will fast, there are going to be many who would have to give it a pass. Having worked in the airline industry in the past in the Middle East, I've come across many muslims forced to give up Ramadan due to the pressures of work and timings. Thanks.
jsmith
Guest
With London's days clocking in at over 15 hours for most of the Games, fasting would be so very difficult. Winter Olympics on the other hand...I'm sure the indoor ski centre in the UAE has been put to use for training by now...
King Robbo
Guest
Interesting article Jocelyn. Having been in Malaysia recently and seeing the pre ramadan food festivals (binges), I thought of this as an issue for olympians who observe Ramadan. Particularly those who have to maintain a weight eg boxers, weightlifters and wrestlers. I know Persian countries traditionally do well in weightlifting and wrestling.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Dunno how they do it. I think at least half if not all Amla's 311 not out was acheived at the start of Ramadan.
Jocelyn McLennan
Roar Guru
They are excused only while in the travel mode...once they arrive at London they have considered to have ceased travelling. LOCOG are well onto it and have pre packaged fast breaking meals prepared for the athletes so they may take them with them to competitions etc. They also have many prayer halls at the competition venues etc. LOCOG have been very empathetic to those observing Ramadan.
BigAl
Guest
I heard a report on this from the BBC in London... Moslems are excused from Ramadan fasting while travelling. Olympic athletes are considered to be travelling, so they don't have to observe Ramadan fasting.
Johnno
Guest
-Jocelyn a good article. Pro sport and religion may be sound like world's apart but they are not. Just like sport and politics are linked. Sport has helped or contributed to break down political systems many would say like south africa for example. With all the protest in the bad old days and south africa winning the world cup. -The Munich tradgey in 1972 was as well another example of politics, religion, and sport rearing it's ugly head. -Will be interesting how the athletes who will be fasting or on a modified diet cope. Other athletes seem to cope as well who are restricting there diet or how many matches they compete in due to religion. Many athletes don't participate on sunday which may impact on strength and conditiontioning. or aid in recovery who knows. And the term against the odds may inspire. For if these athletes are restricted by there diet the strength in there faith may lift them. And in sports too like injuries can lift a team seemingly against the odds the champions comes out for 1 last performance. Tim Horan in rugby union suffered awful food poisoning could barley get out of bed on the day of the world cup semi final vs south africa, and had the match of his life that day. so against the odds stuff lifts athletes. -And maybe i am being cynical but i hope the cynic inside me says maybe, but i hope not. I hope the athletes who say publicly that they are observing there diet restrictions in the name of there religion are actually telling the truth and not behind closed doors eating a different diet. -If they are and lying, at the end of the day is it so bad, that is debatable and depends how seriously one takes there religion and also other factors like importance to a nation or even helping with reducing political tensions in that country if he or she win.