CBC Sports' Shireen Ahmed awarded 2nd place in international sports column writing

CBC Sports's Senior Contributor Shireen Ahmed's column about France's ban on women wearing hijabs while playing sports won second place for column writing Tuesday at the AIPS Sports Media Awards in Morocco.

"How can France claim to champion women when it is stripping them away from sport in a move that is blatantly opposed to the IOC's own human rights framework?" Ahmed wrote in her piece, French hijab ban in sports called a 'shameful moment' as it prepares to host Olympics.  It was published July 18, 2024, just days before the Paris Olympics opened.

"Shireen is a thought leader and her work with CBC Sports reflects that every day," said Ryan Johnston, executive producer of CBC Sports's digital department. "We're proud to see her recognized with this award and be able to accept it among her friends, family and colleagues."

Ahmed's column was one of more than 2,000 submissions from journalists in 136 countries in a variety of categories the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) recognized at their annual gala.

"I am honoured and very grateful. And also very jet-lagged. It's a tough industry, so being recognized feels amazing. Nothing ever happens solo and my teammates and colleagues at CBC Sports are a reason why I remain inspired and critically engaged. When you are among excellence, it makes you want to elevate your work."

Tianhao Shen, of China's Titan Sports, won top spot for his column A United Euro 2024, an Ununited Europe.