Rio Olympics 2016: Kariman Abuljadayel becomes first Saudi Arabian woman ever to compete in the Games at the 100m

OVERJOYED Kariman Abuljadayel became the first Saudi Arabian woman to compete in the Olympics' 100m.

Social media erupted in praise for the 22-year-old and her landmark achievement as she came seventh in her heat, wearing a black full-body kit and hijab.

Abuljadayel's performance follows the historic London 2012 appearance of Sarah Attar, the first Saudi Arabian woman and hijab wearer ever to compete in the Olympics.

Twitter users compared Abuljadayel's outfit to the famous green and white body suit worn by Australian runner Cathy Freeman when winning the 400m gold at Sydney 2000.

Saudi Arabia were threatened with an Olympic ban if they excluded women, leading to Attar's groundbreaking debut in the 800m four years ago.

But Saudi Arabian culture meant only one newspaper mentioned her moment in history - and was criticised in many parts of society for doing so.