When the 2012 London Olympics schedule was released six years ago, some Muslim groups claimed it showed a "complete lack of awareness and sensitivity" since they ran entirely during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins on July 20.
There are expected to be over 3,000 Muslim athletes participating in the London Games, each of them facing this collision between faith and science: Should they adhere to the sunrise-to-sunset fasting mandated for Ramadan, or continue with their suggested nutritional intake as Olympic athletes?
Maher Abu Rmeileh, a judo champion and the first Palestinian to qualify for the Games, told EuroNews he would be fasting during the Games. "I know for sure that this won't affect our performance. We are ready to compete and it doesn't matter if it's Ramadan or not" he said.
But many other Muslim athletes have opted not to fast while competing in London, with some surprising justifications.
Egyptian athletes were given a special dispensation from the nation's high cleric, allowing them to eat and drink during training and coaching. From SNTV: