Afghan Cyclist Who Posed as Man to Evade Taliban Wins Asian Games Silver
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi, who previously disguised herself as a man to train under Taliban rule, won a silver medal at the Asian Games in Japan. She fled Afghanistan in 2021 and now trains in Italy, aiming to inspire other Afghan women.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi won silver at the Asian Games.
- She previously disguised herself as a man to train.
- Hashimi fled Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power.
- She hopes her medal inspires Afghan women.
- Hashimi will compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Afghan cyclist Fariba Hashimi, 23, secured a silver medal in the women's road race at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Tuesday. This achievement comes just three years after she fled her homeland following the Taliban's return to power. Hashimi also finished seventh in the individual time trial on Sunday, marking her most significant success at the current games.
Hashimi's journey is extraordinary. She began competitive cycling at 15, inspired by her sister Yulduz, also an international cyclist. In their home province of Faryab, women cycling faced significant danger. To train undetected, Hashimi disguised herself as a man, wearing multiple masks and men's clothing. She previously told Reuters that she endured people throwing stones at her during rides.
After the Taliban regained control in 2021, Hashimi escaped Afghanistan. She had previously signed with the Israeli team Israel Premier Tech four years ago, though the team ceased operations last year. Currently, she resides and trains in Italy with the support of former world champion Alessandra Cappellotto.
Hashimi expressed her excitement about the medal, emphasizing its importance for Afghan women. "I was born in a country where women who dream are attacked, and I am very happy that I fought against it," she stated. "I hope the next generation can come here and represent their country without any fear." She added that the Taliban "took our freedom" and that the silver medal symbolizes the resilience of Afghan women, stating, "I am not alone. I know that behind me are millions of women, from many countries, who have the same dream and stand by my side."
Hashimi and her sister represented Afghanistan at the Paris 2024 Olympics and are now looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. "I never want to give up," Hashimi said. "And hopefully, we can see again what can happen in Los Angeles."