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Afghan sprinter Kimia Yousofi focused on fulfilling her dreams by fleeing the country to Australia. She is preparing to compete at her third Olympics after being selected for the Paris Olympics 2024.
Yousofi was flag bearer at Tokyo
Kimia Yousofi is also included in the six-member Afghan contingent at the Paris Games, which will show her skills here. She will set out on the track to cherish the broken dreams of Afghan women. Yousofi was also the flag bearer at the Tokyo Olympics.
Dozens of other Afghan athletes moved to Australia
Kimia Yousofi, 28, took refuge in Iran to avoid prosecution after the Taliban returned to power. She was then sent to Australia a year later as part of an agreement with the Olympic Movement.
Dozens of other Afghan athletes, including members of the women’s cricket and football teams, have moved to Australia.
'I represent the stolen dreams and aspirations'
According to Yousofi, it is an honor for her to represent her country again. “It’s an honor to represent the girls of my homeland once again,” she said in a statement released by the Australian committee. “Girls and women who 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.”
Six-member contingent will represent Afghanistan
A six-member contingent comprising three female and three male athletes will represent Afghanistan at the Paris Olympics. Afghanistan is being represented in the Olympics for the first time after the Taliban occupation of Afghanistan. Women will participate in athletics and cycling, while men will show their strength in athletics, swimming and judo.
The Afghan contingent of these six people was selected by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in consultation with Afghanistan's largely exiled National Olympic Committee. The Olympics will start from 26th July and will continue till 11th August.