Exclusive: Afghanistan Olympic flag bearer Kimia Yousofi finds refuge in Sydney

A year ago, the 100 metres sprinter carried the Afghanistan flag into Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony. It should have been a lifetime highlight for the two-time Olympian particularly when, days later, she set a national record and personal best time in her heat. The feat was reported around the sporting world.

But while these events were taking place in Japan, the Taliban was advancing across Afghanistan. After the withdrawal of American troops then-president Ashraf Ghani, in a quick and unexpected move, fled Afghanistan seven days after the closing ceremony in Tokyo. The Taliban had once more seized power, 20 years after the US-led Operation Enduring Freedom had forced them into exile.

Yousofi’s life changed in an instant.

The dramatic developments back home made it unsafe for her to return from the Olympics. As the country’s flag bearer, Yousofi was one of Afghanistan’s highest profile females and an immediate target for the regime.

The greatest honour of her young life had become an immediate hazard.

With the support of the International Olympic Committee, Yousofi flew to Iran where she had been preparing before the Olympics. She remained there for the next 12 months as the governing body looked for a place for her to resume her life and athletics career.

Initially, Canada and the UK were regarded as her most likely destination. But inquiries made by the Australian Olympic Committee altered that course. In August this year, Yousofi, her mother and younger brother arrived at Sydney Airport along with 28 Afghan athletes, officials and family members.

“Australia is a country of freedom,” Yousofi told CODE Sports through an interpreter after a recent training session at Sydney Olympic Park. “We came from a country where women had no rights and were not allowed to live freely.

“It has been very sweet how the Australian people have treated me. Afghan groups in Sydney have helped me get in tune with the Australian lifestyle.”

While Yousofi is delighted to have her mother and brother with her, not all her family have been cleared to travel to Australia. She has two older brothers and she is fearful for their safety.

During the interview, Yousofi shed tears. There were questions she could not answer for fear of recriminations against her brothers. Life remains anything but certain.

What Yousofi delighted in talking about were the things we take for granted every day.

Freedom. The Australian lifestyle.

An ability to pursue her athletic dreams without fear of political persecution.

Yousofi’s goal is to represent Afghanistan at a third consecutive Olympics in Paris. This is largely in the hands of the IOC, the Afghanistan Olympic Committee and the Taliban. The…