Attar makes Olympic debut, history

Sarah Attar finished more than 40 seconds behind the lead pack in her women?s 800-meter heat ? and she got the loudest ovation of anyone.

Attar became the first Saudi woman to compete in Olympic track and field, wearing a headscarf and finishing with the second-slowest time of any of the 40 women who took the track Wednesday.

?This is such a huge honor and an amazing experience, just to be representing the women,? Attar said. ?Just having so much support in the stadium, I know this can make a huge difference.?

Attar smiled broadly and waved at the crowd as her name was announced. Three minutes later, wearing a white headscarf, green long-sleeve shirt and black leggings despite the 66-degree temperature, she drew a roar of approval from the crowd of about 80,000 as she strode down the home stretch.

Her time of 2 minutes, 44.95 seconds was well behind Janeth Jepkosgei?s heat-winning 2:01.04. Only Merve Aydin of Turkey was slower (3 minutes, 24.35 seconds).

Attar?s time, though, meant little. She left her mark on the London Games.

?When I was running and hearing the people, it was like this crazy roar,? said Attar, a student at Pepperdine with dual Saudi and U.S. citizenship. ?Just being in the Olympic Stadium, what a crazy, amazing experience.?