After fleeing the Taliban she’ll breakdance on the Refugee Team in Paris

July 4, 2024 7:55 AM

Breakdancing gave Manizha Talash a sense of purpose, but it put her life at risk after regime change in Afghanistan. (WaPo gift link, archive). At such times, she doesn’t think about what’s going on back home in Kabul. She doesn’t think about the winding road — the death threats, the fear, the uncertainty — that led her to this point, on the cusp of appearing in the Paris Olympics. When she’s competing, when she’s training and when she’s dancing, it’s just Talash and the thumping music.
posted by ShooBoo (5 comments total)

“This is way bigger than any of my dreams I had before or even could think of”
*headspins*
posted by HearHere at 8:24 AM on July 4

Three years ago
Two weeks ago
posted by box at 9:07 AM on July 4 [1 favorite]

she will be breaking as a member of the Refugee Olympic Team, composed of displaced athletes who can longer live and train in their home country

I suddenly care about breakdancing and know what team I'll be cheering for.
posted by The corpse in the library at 10:06 AM on July 4 [7 favorites]

I'm not at all into sports but I'm glad that there is a Refugee Olympic Team. In a better world there would be no refugees but until then this is a good way for the world to see a true international team. And this young woman is amazing!
posted by mareli at 10:29 AM on July 4 [2 favorites]

Home video of breakdancers at Tehran house party in 1991
Montage of vintage Iranian breakdancers
posted by jonp72 at 6:07 PM on July 4 [1 favorite]