French sprinter in turmoil over headscarf

Shortly before the start of the Olympic Games in Paris, there is a controversy over the participation of a French athlete wearing a headscarf in the opening ceremony.

July 24, 2024

From: dpa

We are talking about the French sprinter Sounkamba Sylla. According to consistent media reports, she wrote on Instagram: "You are nominated for the Olympic Games that are taking place in your country, but you cannot take part in the opening ceremony because you are wearing a headscarf." When asked, the French Olympic Committee said that a solution had already been found: The 26-year-old 400-meter runner will wear a cap.

France sees itself as a secular country in which there is a strict separation of state and religion. It is forbidden to wear a headscarf in schools, for example. This rule also applies to female civil servants. There is actually no legal ban in sports. The associations handle this differently. For example, a headscarf is allowed in tennis, but not in football.

However, France's acting sports minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra stated: "The representatives in our delegations and in our French teams will not wear headscarves." The head of the French Olympic Committee defended this line. "It may not be understandable in other countries, but this is part of our DNA here in France," said David Lappartient.

The opening ceremony will take place on Friday, July 26 in downtown Paris. South Tyrolean tennis pro Jannik Sinner will not be there, as he announced on Wednesday evening that that he cannot compete in the Olympic Games.