(CNN) -- Saudi Arabia will let its female athletes compete in the Olympics for the first time, its embassy in London said. Until now, Saudi Arabia was one of three countries that did not allow women to participate in the games. The other two -- Qatar and Brunei -- also reversed course this year and said they will send female athletes to the London games, which begin July 27. "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wishes to reaffirm its support for the sublime meanings reflected by Olympic Games and the cherished values of excellence, friendship and respect that they represent," the Saudi Embassy in London said in a statement announcing the decision.
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One Saudi athlete praises the decision as "a dream come true"
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Saudi Arabian schools don't have physical ed classes for girls
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Qatar and Brunei will also send women for the first time
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The decision is a rare concession for a kingdom where women cannot drive or vote
Malhas said she won't be competing in @placeholder games this year because her horse suffered a minor injury, but didn't rule out future competitions.