Source: China Daily

08-19-2008 11:11

Special Report:   2008 Beijing Olympic Games

Iraqi sprinter Dana Hussein Abdul-Razzaq once had to dodge a sniper's bullet during training in her war-torn nation. Her chance of winning a medal was always slim, considering she runs a few seconds behind the world's best 100m sprinters.

But the Iraqi woman is the embodiment of Olympic movement. Her sentiments follow the One World, One Dream theme and her presence in Beijing is living proof that this dream can come true.

"Sports can unify the Iraqi people - no Sunnis, no Shiites, just sport for the country," she said.

Iraq's Dana Hussein Abdulrazak compete  during the women's 100m heat 2 at the  "Bird's Nest" National Stadium as part  of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on  August 16, 2008.

The 21-year-old began her sprinting career five years ago during a bloody period of war and sectarian strife and is one of four Iraqis who have qualified for the Games.

Her coach, Yousif Abdul-Rahman recalls a training session during the height of the sectarian bloodshed when he and Hussein had to drive across Sunni-Shiite battle lines to try to reach the track.