Two sisters, Fariba and Yulduz Hashimi, are on their way to the Paris Olympics, despite facing challenges and obstacles along the way. The siblings, originally from rural Afghanistan, began their cycling journey by racing in disguise on borrowed bikes due to the stigma surrounding women in sports in their conservative province. Despite the Taliban’s ban on women participating in sports, they will compete at the Olympics under their country’s flag. Their dream of competing in the Olympics seemed impossible until they left Afghanistan and received proper training in Italy.
Fariba and Yulduz’s passion for cycling began when they borrowed a neighbor’s bike and participated in a local race, where they came first and second. Their success in races continued, despite facing backlash and danger from people who disapproved of women cycling. When the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan and restricted women’s rights, the sisters knew they had to leave the country to pursue their dream of competing in the Olympics. They eventually secured seats on an Italian evacuation flight and joined a cycling team in Italy to receive professional training for the first time.
The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan raised concerns about the country’s participation in the Olympics, as the ban on women’s sports violated rules regarding government interference in athlete selection. The International Olympic Committee worked behind the scenes to ensure Afghan women could compete at the Games. In June, it was announced that a special gender-equal team representing Afghanistan would participate in the Paris Olympics, with the Hashimi sisters among the selected athletes. Despite the challenges they faced and sacrifices made, Fariba and Yulduz are excited to represent Afghan women on the Olympic stage.
The sisters are now preparing for the Olympic road race event at the World Cycling Centre in Switzerland, where they have access to elite training facilities. Their journey from cycling on dusty roads in Afghanistan to competing at the Olympics is a testament to their determination and resilience. Fariba and Yulduz credit each other for their strength and success, emphasizing that their achievement belongs to all Afghan women. Despite the difficulties they have faced, the sisters are grateful for the opportunity to fulfill their dream of competing in the Olympics and inspiring others with their story of perseverance and resilience.
