Shahd Saied, an Egyptian cyclist, was disqualified from the Paris Olympics on Sunday following a decision by the local Olympic committee. The disqualification comes after a social media uproar over a video that appeared to show Saied knocking competitor Ganna Eliwa off her bicycle during the national championship in April.
The incident, which occurred during a race, showed Saied colliding with Eliwa, pushing her to the ground. Eliwa suffered a concussion, a broken collarbone, bruises, and temporary memory loss. Saied maintained that the incident was an accident, but was handed a one-year ban from local competition.
Despite the ban, the Egyptian Cycling Federation initially named Saied for the Paris Games, stating she had qualified before the incident. This decision sparked widespread anger and embarrassment among Egyptians, with many accusing the federation of disregarding sportsmanship. “What is she doing there? Didn’t she crash into her competitor on purpose?” questioned one Facebook user under the announcement of Saied’s participation in the games. Another comment read, “This is beyond shameless and I hope you fail.”
Prompted by the public outcry, the country’s sports ministry requested a review of the decision. Subsequently, the Olympic Committee ruled that Saied’s local ban made her ineligible for international competitions.
Saied, who started her career in Fayoum, south of Cairo, about four years ago, had won two gold medals in individual contests at an African championship earlier this year. She had already announced her retirement on a local TV show, saying, “I’m not going to bike anymore. If they don’t want me to represent Egypt, fine, I won’t go to the Olympiad.”
The incident and Saied’s subsequent disqualification have led to contrasting comparisons with Mohammed Ali Rashwan, an Egyptian judoka who famously valued fair play over a gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. Rashwan refused to attack his opponent’s injured leg, a decision that won him international acclaim. Many commentators argued that Saied’s selection violated the values of Olympism – excellence, respect, and friendship – urging authorities to reconsider their decision.
President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has frequently encouraged cycling in Egypt, leading rallies through Cairo and promoting the sport. However, cycling remains a relatively unpopular sport in the country. The controversy surrounding Saied’s disqualification has brought it into the spotlight, raising questions about sportsmanship and the values upheld by the country’s sporting authorities.
