Colombo: Competing in full-length skin swim suit does not put Pakistani women swimmers at a disadvantage, says Rubab Raza, the first woman from the country who made it to the Olympics at Athens in 2004.
"I don't think it pegs us back at all. In fact I think it allows you to swim faster," says the 17-year-old.
"It covers the whole body, fitting it like second skin. Australia's champion swimmer Ian Thorpe, who popularised and wore it for the first time, is a standout example," she said.
It was thanks to these skin suits that Pakistan could allow its women swimmers to compete at the international stage as exposure of the body is a taboo in the country.
"It was only after these full-length suits were introduced that we could start competing in international meets around six years ago. In fact, even back home we could not swim in the usual short swim suits."
Rubab made many heads turn when she set out to compete at the biggest world stage in the Greek capital by virtue of being a young Pakistani girl brought up in a strict Islamic environment.
A head-turner otherwise as well -- what with disarming looks and a charming smile -- Rubab has had to content with pressure from within and without.
But she appears to be coping up with it all well, having bagged a bronze in the 50 metres freestyle in the SA Games on Saturday and all geared up to improve her performance further in the four individual events to follow.
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