She been offered training programmes outside Iraq but has turned them down because her athletics union would not allow her coach to accompany her. However, they hope to be able to travel and train together before the Olympics begin in August.

Iraqi sprinter Dana Abdul-Razzaq prepares for training at al-Shaab National Stadium in Baghdad March 18, 2008. Abdul-Razzaq will be Iraq's only female athlete at the Beijing Olympics. [Agencies] Related readings: Young Afghan woman runs toward Olympics despite jeers

Her family encourages her to keep going -- her father was a former national cyclist and her brother is a bodybuilder -- but there are many in religiously conservative Iraq who think she should not compete.

"There are people who encourage the sport but there are traditions and conventions which say it is difficult for a girl to travel and run, she should stay at home," Abdul-Razzaq said.

"But I am not doing something wrong or haram (forbidden for Muslims)."

Coach Abdul-Rahman is with her every step of the way, helping her overcome the dangers and difficulties of being an athlete in Iraq.

"I cannot say she will win a medal in the Olympics, it is difficult, but at least we are developing ourselves," he said.

"We might get close to the others, or break the Iraqi record. This would be considered an achievement."

Iraqi sprinter Dana Abdul-Razzaq stretches during a training session at al-Shaab National Stadium in Baghdad March 18, 2008. Abdul-Razzaq will be Iraq's only female athlete at the Beijing Olympics. [Agencies] Related readings: Young Afghan woman runs toward Olympics despite jeers