Hassiba Boulmerka

Hassiba Boulmerka (born 10 July 1968) is a former Algerian middle distance athlete. Her first major international tournament was the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, where she was eliminated in the preliminary heat of both the 800 and 1500 m.

Quotes

• It was a triumph for women all over the world to stand up to their enemies, That's what made me really proud.
  • [1] Hassiba spoke on her victory in Barcelona olympic in 2012.
• My father worried a lot about me - it was an enormous stress for him,I knew that what I was doing was an incredible burden for him.
  • [2] Hassiba spoke about her father in 2012.
• As I crossed the line, I thrust a fist into the air, It was a symbol of victory, of defiance. It was to say:I did it! I won!
  • [3] Hassiba recalled her race victory in 2012.
• That year I didn't run a single race in Algeria, It was simply too risky. I could have been killed at any moment.
  • [4] Hassiba spoke on war in algeria in 2012.
• Tradition is not really a problem. The thinking has evolved enormously. Women’s emancipation has really progressed. Women can choose what sport they want.
  • [5] Boulmerka spoke on reaction towards Women in sport in 2008.
• Women’s sport in general is very weak, We still need a good sports policy. There’s a lot of work to do.
  • [6] Boulmerka spoke on sport policy in 2008.
• I was screaming for Algeria's pride and Algeria's history, and still more.
  • [7] Hassiba proud of her country after race in 1992.
• Several leaders of political parties told me, You did what we haven't been able to do for years. You brought us together.
  • [8] Hassiba spoke on her race in 1992.
• My parents came originally from the remote countryside. But for 10 years my father drove a truck in France and sent money home to our family.
  • [9] Hassiba spoke about her family in 1992.
• You can't be a champion in a week or a year, You must accept a time of suffering.
  • [10] Hassiba spoke on seoul olympic in 1992.
• I like to keep things simple, not be a star. But I've become a representative of all Algeria, and of young women in particular.
  • [11] Hassiba spoke on Tokyo victory in 1992.
• Every year it gets harder to balance my training, my friends, my other interests and my duty to visit my parents and take care of them.
  • [12] Hassiba spoke on her race training in 1992.
• My race at the world championships was the first time I ever felt complete confidence in myself.
  • [13] Hassiba spoke on world championship in 1992.
• In athletics, on the track, I learned to suffer, to love my country, to concentrate, to take responsibility.
  • [14] Hassiba spoke on creed of sport in 1992.
• I believe you can express your self in sport maybe better than in any other field. All that, and it brings everyone together, too.
  • [15] Hassiba spoke on sport in 1992.