Olympic Breakdancer Disqualified for Wearing Cape Mid-Competition

Political statements and slogans are banned on the field of play and on podiums at the Olympics.

PARIS, France — Refugee breaker Manizha Talash, known as “b-girl Talash,” was disqualified from the first Olympic breaking competition on Friday. She wore a cape that read “Free Afghan Women” during her pre-qualifier battle against India Sardjoe, or “b-girl India.”

The 21-year-old originally from Afghanistan, represented the Olympic Refugee Team. Talash lost her pre-qualifier battle against Sardjoe and would not have advanced even without the disqualification.

The World DanceSport Federation, governing body for Olympic breaking, stated she “was disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her attire during the Pre-Qualifier battle.” Political statements and slogans are banned in Olympic events.

Talash fled Taliban rule in 2021, seeking asylum in Spain. “I’m here because I want to reach my dream. Not because I’m scared,” she told The Associated Press before the Olympics from Spain.

The pre-qualifier battle between Talash and Sardjoe was added in May. Talash missed registration for qualifying events but was included in the Olympic roster by the International Olympic Committee’s executive board after learning about her efforts to defy Taliban’s rule.