Nawal El Moutawakel is a Moroccan former track and field athlete and leader. She is best known for becoming the first woman from a Muslim country to win an Olympic gold medal, which she achieved in the 400 meter hurdles at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Nawal El Moutawakel was born in Casablanca, Morocco in 1962. She began her athletic career in high school, where she excelled in track and field events. After graduating, she attended Iowa State University in the United States, where she continued to compete in track and field.
In 1984, Nawal El Moutawakel made history by winning the gold medal in the 400 meter hurdles at the Summer Olympics. She became the first woman from a Muslim-majority country to win an Olympic gold medal, and her victory was celebrated around the world.
After her athletic career, El Moutawakel remained involved in the world of sports. She served as the President of the Moroccan Olympic Committee, and was also a member of the International Olympic Committee. In this role, she worked to promote sports and physical activity around the world.
In addition to her work in sports, El Moutawakel has also been involved in Moroccan politics. She served as Minister of Sports in Morocco from 2007 to 2011, and has also held other positions in the Moroccan government.
Nawal El Moutawakel is a role model for athletes and women around the world. Her determination and dedication to her sport have inspired countless people to pursue their own dreams, and her success has paved the way for other women from Muslim-majority countries to achieve greatness in sports and other fields.
