With the Paris 2024 Olympics just two weeks away, Egyptians are debating the decision to select cyclist Shahd Saeed, who collided with a teammate in a previous race, for the Olympic team.
In April, Ganna Eliwa, 19, suffered a concussion, a broken collarbone, and severe cuts after being pushed off her bike by Saeed, who swerved into her 300 meters before the finish line. The incident, captured on video, shows Saeed riding behind Eliwa before the collision. Saeed claims it was an accident, but Eliwa says she never apologized.
Following an investigation, the Egyptian Cycling Federation suspended Saeed for one year and fined her $100. Despite this, they registered her for the Paris Olympics, causing public outrage. Many Egyptians have taken to social media, demanding her removal from the team.
Eliwa has appeared on talk shows expressing her discontent, wishing Saeed bad luck and questioning her suitability as Egypt’s representative.
The Egyptian Cycling Federation president defended Saeed’s participation, citing the inability to replace her at this stage. Critics, however, argue that her selection violates the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship. The sports ministry has asked the Egyptian Olympic Committee to review her participation.
Saeed has maintained that the incident was not deliberate and questioned the timing of the renewed controversy. Meanwhile, President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi continues to promote cycling in Egypt, often leading public cycling events.
