KUALA LUMPUR – Kimia Yousofi, named in Afghanistan’s six-person team for the Paris 2024 Olympics, will represent “the stolen dreams and aspirations” of Afghan women.
The 28-year-old 100-metre sprinter, who proudly bore Afghanistan’s flag at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is among the five athletes and administrators, along with her families, who found refuge in Australia in 2022.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and various government bodies, facilitated their escape following the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan.
This announcement by the AOC today marks a significant milestone in Kimia’s journey, symbolising resilience and hope for Afghan women amid the oppressive regime in her homeland.
She will be part of a six-member Afghan team, equally divided between male and female athletes.
“It’s an honour to represent the girls of my homeland once again. Girls and women have been deprived of basic rights, including education, which is the most important one.
“I represent the stolen dreams and aspirations of these women.
“Those who don’t have the authority to make decisions as free human beings. They don’t even have the permission to enter a park.
“I’m deeply grateful to all those who have stood by me on this journey and made this possible,” said Kimia in a statement.
Her gratitude extended to the Australian government, the AOC, and all supporters who made her journey possible.
AOC chief executive officer Matt Carroll praised Kimia’s perseverance and the support from Athletics Australia, which helped her adapt to life in Australia, including learning a new language and continuing her athletic pursuits.
“Her story is one of inspiration for women and girls in Afghanistan and anywhere in the world, who are denied basic rights, including the right to practise sports freely,” Carroll stated.
Dr. Yonus Popalzay, president of the Afghanistan Olympic Committee, celebrated the historic moment of having three female athletes represent Afghanistan at the Olympics for the first time.
“We highly appreciate AOC for the support extended to Kimia Yousofi. On behalf of Afghanistan NOC please convey our message of gratitude and appreciation to the Australian nation and government for support to the Afghan in a difficult time,” he said in the same statement by the AOC.
Kimia’s coach, John Quinn, commended her remarkable progress and the inspiration she provides to her peers.
“Her efforts have certainly inspired the other squad members. Now she finds herself on the world stage again in Paris,” Quinn said.
Quinn will accompany Kimia to Paris as the head coach of the Afghanistan team.
The Taliban’s rule since August 2021 has severely curtailed women’s rights, banning their access to parks and gyms, prompting female athletes, including Kimia, to flee for safety.
Afghanistan’s participation with a gender-equal team sends a powerful message globally.
Last month, the IOC confirmed that no Taliban officials would be permitted at the Games, recognising the exile status of Afghanistan’s Olympic Committee leaders. – July 9, 2024
