The IOC’s response (International Olympic Committee) was quick: no!

Prince Fahad Bin Jalawi Al-Saud, Advisor to the Chairman of the Saudi Olympic Committee, wished to hold the olympics in duo with Bahrain. Why two countries? To divide athletes in two: the men in Saudi Arabia, the women in Bahrain.

Recalling that the principle of non-discrimination should be applied in any country wishing to host the Olympics, this idea was immediately rejected by the IOC.

“Countries like Saudi Arabia must work to enable women to participate freely. We can not just transfer the problems to other countries,” said even the International Olympic Committee.

Two athletes in 2012

Women’s sports competitions are not easily accepted in Saudi Arabia, an ultra-conservative country.

AT the London Games in 2012, there were two women in the Saudi delegation, a first in Olympic history.