Ramadan Olympics Challenge Muslim Athletes

When the summer Olympic Games open in London later this month, Muslims worldwide, including many elite athletes, will be observing the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

When the summer Olympic Games open in London later this month, Muslims worldwide, including many elite athletes, will be observing the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Muslim Olympic hopefuls face the prospect of competing at the highest levels while abstaining from all food and drink during the long days of the London summer. And, that’s not their only challenge. Observant Muslims wake up in the middle of the night to eat before the fast begins. In London, the Ramadan pre-dawn meal will be at about four o’clock in the morning. However, sleep deprivation might be the bigger problem for athletes.