Source: Los Angeles Times
On October 14, 2003 the Los Angeles Times discussed the challenges ahead for high school cross-country runner Mehdi Taieb-Brahim, a top Muslim athlete who will soon face the challenge of running long distances without water before and after his races as he observes Ramadan. The holy month will coincide with several important meets, including City Championships. Taieb-Brahim's coach said he was impressed with the athlete's dedication to maintain his fasting despite a training schedule that includes running 55 miles a week. "'He's kind of like Sandy Koufax,' Birmingham Coach Scott King said, referring to the Dodger Hall of Fame pitcher who skipped his Game 1 start in the 1965 World Series because of the Jewish holiday, Yom Kippur.'"