Hassiba Boulmerka: Testing Her Faith

The pioneering accomplishments of track star Hassiba Boulmerka made her a controversial figure in her native country, Algeria. She was the first woman from an Arab or African nation to win a world track-and-field championship and the first Algerian to win an Olympic gold medal. She inspired strong feelings of pride and respect among many people in the region. Indeed, following her Olympic win, she was awarded Algeria’s prestigious Medal of Merit. Not all Algerians...