Fariba Hashimi, an Afghan cyclist who once hid her identity by dressing as a man to train, claimed a silver medal in the women’s road race on Tuesday near Nagoya, Japan. The 23-year-old rider, now based in Italy, described her podium finish as “something special” and an act of defiance against the constraints placed on women in her home country.
Reflecting on her journey, Hashimi recalled the dangers she faced as a teenager in Faryab province, where she and her sister, Yulduz, were frequently attacked with stones while attempting to pursue the sport. She stated, “I was born inside a country where the women who dream are getting attacked, and I’m really happy that I have fought against that.”
The Taliban’s return to power in 2021 saw the implementation of severe restrictions on Afghan women, effectively barring them from education and public life, including sports. “They took away our freedom, they took away everything from us,” Hashimi said, noting that she fled Afghanistan following the regime change. She credited her ability to continue her career to the support of former Italian world champion Alessandra Cappellotto, who helped her relocate to Italy.
Despite the challenges, Hashimi remains determined to look forward, with her sights now set on the 2028 Los Angeles Games following her previous appearance at the Paris Olympics two years ago. “I never want to give up, and hopefully we can see what can happen again in Los Angeles,” she remarked.
The race itself presented significant logistical hurdles. With limited resources, Hashimi had to take on the roles of mechanic and caretaker for her own equipment. She expressed deep gratitude toward the Japanese cycling team, noting that they stepped in to assist with repairs when she lacked professional support. “I’m here without a mechanic, without any preparation. We brought one guy with us from the national federation, and he just drove the car. I was the mechanic for myself. I was washing the bike myself,” she added.
Beyond her personal achievement, Hashimi views the medal as a symbol of hope for others. “I’m not alone; I know that behind me millions of women, from many countries, have the same dream and they are standing with me,” she said. “I hope that the next generation will come here and represent their country without any fear.” The report also notes that including sport, the Taliban authorities returned to power in 2021 and have since imposed a series of rules limiting women’s access to education and public life.
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