Dutch athlete praised by Muslim community after defying hijab ban during medal presentation in Paris

Dutch middle-distance runner Sifan Hassan collected her record-breaking gold medal at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, while wearing a hijab which France restricted their athletes from putting on during the Games.

Sifan won gold in the marathon event with an Olympic record of 2hrs 22mins 55secs. It followed her bronze medal wins in the 5,000m and 10,000m distances.

The 31-year-old Dutch athlete of Ethiopian descent, made a move which has been seen as a subtle protest against the ban of the hijab in France.

The French government restricted their athletes from wearing the hijab during the Games, saying it was an implementation of the county’s principles of secularism.

French officials have pointed out that the ban aims to enforce the government’s opposition to displays of religious symbols during sporting events.

Muslim women have seen themselves as the target in the ban, especially as the head covering is of much significance in their faith.