She was stunned! When Manizha Talash first saw a video of an Afghan breakdancer on social media in 2020, she could hardly believe her eyes. That electrifying moment ignited a spark in the then 17-year-old, living in Kabul amid threats and unrest preceding the Taliban’s return. Fast forward to today, and Talash, now 21, has turned her dreams into reality, making waves on the Olympic stage.

In a historic first for Olympic breaking battles, Talash seized her moment with a bold and unforgettable gesture. During the third round on Friday, she ripped off her T-shirt to reveal a vivid blue cape. This wasn’t just a striking visual—it carried a powerful message. Her T-shirt bore the words “FREE AFGHAN WOMEN,” and with arms outstretched, she transformed the stage into a platform for her cause. Her opponent, Dutch breaker India Sardjoe, acknowledged the powerful statement with a respectful nod and applause.

Though Sardjoe ultimately won the battle with a 3-0 victory, putting an end to Talash’s Olympic dreams, Talash’s performance transcended the competition. She proved that her presence was about more than just the sport; it was a testament to her resilience and a powerful cry for freedom and equality.

Talash became Afghanistan’s first B-girl, making waves as the only girl among 55 boys in Kabul’s Superiors Crew. Her path took a dramatic turn in 2020 when she fled Afghanistan with her 12-year-old brother, leaving their mother behind. After a year in Pakistan, she secured refugee status in Spain, where she was reunited with six other crew members scattered across the country. By May, the rest of her family joined her in Madrid, including her mother, two brothers, and sister, marking a hopeful new beginning.

Under the Taliban regime, Afghanistan has imposed severe restrictions on women, barring them from education beyond primary school, employment outside the home, and public spaces. As students at that time were notified, “You all are informed to immediately implement the mentioned order of suspending the education of females until further notice,” said a letter issued to all government and private universities, signed by the Minister for Higher Education, Neda Mohammad Nadeem according to Aljazeera news.

Despite these constraints, Talash has continued to compete. Before joining the refugee team, she worked at a hair salon in Huesca, Spain, until a connection helped her link up with the refugee team. But it hasn’t been an easy journey to the Games.

Manizha Talash’s struggle to keep her head above water

In Kabul, the breakdancing gym where Manizha Talash trained was targeted multiple times amid Afghanistan’s political and cultural upheaval. As the only female breakdancer in the group, Talash began receiving death threats after a car b**b exploded outside the venue and police intercepted a would-be suicide b**ber. The resulting security concerns led to the gym’s closure, leaving the dancers with few alternatives. To protect her family, Talash adopted the name “Talash,” meaning “striving” in Persian. Despite these severe challenges, she remained determined to pursue her passion. However, to ensure her future, “Talash” needs to talash for gold.

For Talash, simply reaching the Olympic Games is a monumental achievement. Yet, with medals on the line, the Refugee Olympic Team aspires to secure gold for the first time but failed this time. As a newcomer to the competitive breaking scene, Talash faced formidable rivals, including Japan’s Ayumi Fukushima and Ami Yuasa, Lithuania’s world champion Dominika Banevic, and China’s Liu Qingyi. Beyond her personal ambitions, Talash is the hope of Afghan women, striving to make a difference despite the Taliban’s restrictions.

Manizha Talash remains resolute in her vision of a better future for Afghan girls, planning to launch a clothing line inspired by her homeland that could provide work for women in Afghanistan. Talash’s ultimate goal is to return to her country, should conditions improve, and continue competing for her nation. Through her journey, she is committed to keeping the plight of Afghan women and girls at the forefront of global awareness.