But it doesn't take place at the same time every year, so it is not always a concern during every Olympics.
This. And, the country isn't really the authority, it's Imams and other religious leaders that will interpret the law. Of course, in many Muslim countries, these are intertwined, but still, I suspect that the most observant athletes will still fast. Then again, I might know nothing (Jon Snow).
Well it depends who you ask. Some have a fatwa saying they can postpone, some consulted with clerics who said they could, the guy I mentioned earlier is actually competing for England, his father is Moroccan so his cleric said "donate 1800 meals to Morocco and you are fine" and he is.
Others still maintain they are weak Muslims who should fast unless they really, really need food or water to avoid dying because sports are not for glory, they are a choice.
But overall the consensus seems to be travelling combined with the effort required to compete means you can postpone.
"The International Olympic Committee, however, declined the requests, saying the Games were a secular event."
this makes me want to have one of those "this is what's wrong with the world" rants. i understand that the olympics are a secular event, but if we could all just demonstrate a little bit of sensitivity to each other instead of insisting on all of the things to which we are rightfully entitled, the world would be a happier place!! jeez!!
Robanukah considerations will be made by EVERYONE!
According to my coworker (he's from Iraq) they can postpone the fast as long as they do it later within a year. Pregnant women, BF women, sick people should not fast, so they can do afterward