Nawal El Moutawakel: "I hope the Women's AFCON will strengthen the place of women in sports."

CAF

6 hours ago

A global sports icon, Nawal El Moutawakel continues to blaze trails for women, forty years after her Olympic triumph.
As the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024 approaches, she reflects on the impact of this tournament for Morocco and Africa
With emotion, commitment, and clarity, Africa's first Olympic champion delivers a powerful message: believing in Africa's girls is an investment in the future.
On August 8, 1984, in Los Angeles, a young Moroccan woman made history. In 54.61 seconds (an Olympic record at the time), Nawal El Moutawakel became the first African, Arab, and Muslim woman to win Olympic gold. The women's 400m hurdles had just made its Olympic debut — and Africa, its breakthrough. It was more than just a medal: it was an earthquake. A victory in uncharted territory that would pave the way for generations. Since that day, Nawal El Moutawakel has never run alone.
Forty years later, the former champion has become one of the most influential figures in global sports. Minister, ambassador, vice president of the International Olympic Committee — she has always upheld the cause of women's sports with the same fire she once carried on the track as a pioneer.
And now, the story continues where it all began. The TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations is returning to Morocco — the country where her first dreams, her first achievements, and her first strides began. On the very soil that saw her groundbreaking steps, Morocco now celebrates, through this competition, the values she has always stood for: ambition, courage, belief in youth and in the future.
Far from the athletics track but still at the heart of the action, Nawal El Moutawakel reconnects with the energy of the field alongside the Atlas Lionesses. For her, sport is a promise — of empowerment, upliftment, and ever-expanding horizons for all the girls of the continent.
In this interview, Nawal El Moutawakel shares what the TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON means for her country, for African women, and for herself.
CAFOnline.com: How do you feel seeing a major women's tournament like the AFCON take place in your country?
Nawal El Moutawakel: It's an immense source of pride to see the Women's Africa Cup of Nations held in my country, Morocco. It sends a strong message of progress and commitment to sports in general and women's sports in particular. It shows that Morocco is moving toward more equality and equity, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has given a strong push to the advancement of women.
You are a pioneer of Moroccan and African women's sport. What has driven you throughout your journey?
Sport has given me so much: discipline, rigor, determination, passion — but above all, the belief that women have a rightful place in sports, at every level. I've always believed that with willpower, barriers can be overcome.
The 400m hurdles at the 1984 Olympics remains iconic. How did that moment change your life?
It was a turning point. That historic victory thrust me onto the international stage, but more importantly, it gave hope and dreams to thousands of young girls and women in Morocco, Africa, and the Arab world. It became much more than a medal — it was a powerful message.
You became a symbol of empowerment for a whole generation and beyond. Was that a responsibility you took on quickly?
Yes. I realized very early on that my unusual path could serve others. I embraced that responsibility with pride, seriousness, humility, and awareness.
How was your Olympic win perceived in Morocco at the time?
It was received with immense emotion. It was a first for the country — and for a woman! I felt an incredible wave of love, pride, and admiration from Moroccans. It marked an entire generation.
As a Minister, IOC vice president, and dedicated ambassador — why has sport always been the thread running through your work?
Sport made me who I am today. It impacted my life deeply, and I wanted to use my experience to serve others, defend causes, and promote the noble values and ideals of sport worldwide. I quickly understood the magical power of sport — it's a universal language, a tool for empowerment, diplomacy, and development.
What are your expectations for the TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON, both in terms of sports and societal impact?
Like all Moroccans, I'm hoping for a high-level, competitive, and spectacular tournament. I hope it helps shift mindsets, strengthens the place of women in sports, and inspires future generations.
You've always defended the role of women in sport. What does this tournament mean in that context?
I believe Morocco being chosen to host the Women's AFCON is a wise decision. Our women's team has already proven they are capable and talented. I'm confident they will rise to the challenge and show that they too carry important messages — of equal opportunity and fairness.
As a prominent figure, will you be actively involved during the tournament?
Absolutely. I'll be in the stands among thousands of spectators, supporting and encouraging our women's team, which will need all our support to move forward. I should mention that as a young girl, I played football before athletics. So football has a special place in my heart.
Can we hope that this WAFCON inspires future Nawal El Moutawakels in football?
That's exactly what I hope! That this AFCON becomes a source of dreams and ambition for all young girls passionate about sport. Women's football has a bright future, thanks to the push from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), led by Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa, whose leadership, strategic vision, and sound governance have continuously impressed us. The results speak for themselves, especially the historic performance at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
What are Moroccan fans expecting from the Atlas Lionesses?
The public expects fighting spirit, pride, and hopefully a historic run! But beyond results, it's about representing the country with dignity and writing a new page in our sports history.
In one sentence, what message would you like to send to Africa on the occasion of the 2024 Women's AFCON?
That Africa should believe in its daughters, support them, celebrate them, and guide them to the top — because their success is the success of the whole continent.
The slogan of this year's Women's AFCON is 'Born Winners.' What does that mean to you?
This slogan honours those women who, from a young age, carry within them a fierce determination to become extraordinary figures capable of pushing boundaries. Through it, an entire generation of African sportswomen is being celebrated: fighters, role models for future generations.
Photo credit: International Olympic Committee (IOC)