Nawal El Moutawakel

Nawal El Moutawakel, born on April fifteenth, nineteen sixty-two, is a distinguished Moroccan former hurdler who made history by winning the inaugural women's 400 metres hurdles event at the nineteen eighty-four Summer Olympics. This remarkable achievement not only crowned her as an Olympic champion but also marked her as the first Moroccan, Arab, African, and Muslim woman to secure an Olympic gold medal.

Beyond her athletic prowess, El Moutawakel has made significant contributions to the world of sports administration. Currently serving as a vice president of the International Olympic Committee, she continues to influence the landscape of athletics on a global scale. Her leadership and dedication to sports have earned her recognition and respect within the international community.

In August twenty twenty-four, the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) honored her by voting her as the fourth best female athlete of the past one hundred years, following legends such as Serena Williams, Nadia Comăneci, and Simone Biles. This accolade reflects her enduring legacy and impact on the sport.

In two thousand seven, El Moutawakel was appointed as the Minister of Sports in Morocco's upcoming cabinet, further showcasing her commitment to promoting athletics and sports development in her home country.