Pedaling Toward Freedom: The Hashimi Sisters' Journey to the Paris Olympics
Imagine a life where every turn of the pedal isn't just a step toward a goal but a fight against oppression. This is the story of Fariba and Yulduz Hashimi, two Afghan sisters whose dreams and determination have propelled them from the shadows of the Taliban and into the spotlight of the Paris Olympics.
Fariba Hashimi (left), Yulduz Hashimi (right) - BBC
The Beginning of a Dream
The two young girls dared to dream in the quiet province of Faryab, Afghanistan. Fariba and Yulduz Hashimi didn't just want to ride bikes – they wanted to race. Their journey, however, was not as simple as riding down a sunny lane. It was a battle against societal norms, gender discrimination, and the genuine threat of violence.
Cycling in Afghanistan, particularly for women, is fraught with danger. Under the Taliban's harsh regime, women are stripped of their rights and freedoms. But the Hashimi sisters trained in secret as their bicycles become symbols of defiance and hope.
Getty Images
A Perilous Escape
When the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, the Hashimi sisters knew their passion for cycling could cost them their lives. They fled their homeland, embarking on a harrowing journey that could easily be the plot of a gripping thriller.
Fariba and Yulduz, along with four other Afghan cyclists and their families, managed to escape Afghanistan with the assistance of former Italian world champion cyclist Alessandra Cappellotto. Their escape was perilous - Fariba described it to CBS News as the most heart-wrenching decision of her life, “mainly because they had to leave other family members behind.” The journey to the Kabul airport amid the chaos following the Taliban's return to power was terrifying. It took them two days to navigate through the massive crowd at the airport’s Abbey Gate. They reached safety just five minutes before a suicide bomb attack killed nearly 200 Afghans and 13 U.S. troops.
Yulduz Hashimi (left), Fariba Hashimi (right) - Getty Images
Once in Italy, the Hashimi sisters refocused on their cycling dreams with Cappellotto's support. They joined Italy’s Valcar-Travel & Service racing team and later became the first Afghan women to compete at the Women's World Tour level with the Israel-Premier Tech-Roland team in 2022. Having trained with the World Cycling Centre in Switzerland, the sisters prepared for the 2024 Paris Olympics, embodying resilience and hope for Afghan women everywhere.
"At first, beginning a new life in Italy was difficult," Fariba told CBS News. "Everything was new. The people, the environment, and the freedom."
Yulduz - BBC
The Road to Paris
Training for the Olympics is no small feat, even in the best of circumstances. For the Hashimi sisters, it’s a testament to their indomitable spirit. They had to adapt to a new country, learn a new language, and navigate the complexities of international sports, all while bearing the weight of their past. Yet, they continue to ride with a determination that transcends personal ambition.
"We represent the oppressed women of Afghanistan who are not even allowed to go to school," Fariba told CBS News. "I will win and bring a smile to their faces and hope in their hearts, thinking one day they could also fulfill their dreams."
Beyond the Bicycle
The Hashimi sisters' journey is about more than just cycling; it's about reclaiming their identities and asserting their right to dream. Fariba and Yulduz’s participation in the Paris Olympics will be historic – not just for them but for all women fighting for their place in the world. Their story is a narrative of triumph over adversity, where every pedal stroke is a defiant statement against oppression.
Fariba - Getty Images
"I am proud to represent Afghan women, who are demonstrating their ability to accomplish incredible things. Afghan women are excelling in sports, the Olympics, politics, and education, despite facing numerous challenges," Fariba told CBS News. "Their voices deserve to be heard worldwide. The oppression against women and girls in Afghanistan must come to an end."
Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, the Hashimi sisters are focused and optimistic. They train rigorously and are supported by a community that believes in their potential. Their journey has been anything but easy, but their unbreakable spirit shines through.
Their journey from Faryab to Paris is a testament that dreams can come true – if we dare to chase them, one pedal stroke at a time.