Athlete disqualified from Olympic Games seconds into event over her outfit

An Olympic athlete was disqualified on Friday after she wore an outfit that bore a 'political' message.

History was made on Friday when breakdancing made its debut at the Olympic Games.

Japan took gold in the B-girls event, with Ami beating Lithuania's Nicka in the gold medal battle in Paris.

Olympics fans had mixed feelings about whether breaking should feature at the Games, but there was a lot of love for one athlete who shared an important message seconds into her routine.

Afghani breakdancer Talash - real name Manizha Talas - was representing the refugee Olympics team after she fled the country of her birth following the Taliban's return to power in 2021.

Though she was eliminated in her pre-qualifier battle against the Netherlands' India, Talash was disqualified for a message she shared seconds into her performance.

As part of her routine, the 21-year-old removed her sweater to reveal a blue cape with the words 'Free Afghan Women' emblazoned across it.

Talash received a roar of approval from the crowd at Urban Park in Paris and later explained why she had made the powerful statement.

"I wanted to show people what is possible," she said.

Free Afghan Women ✊ #Paris2024 #breaking pic.twitter.com/hjbQHFhpCk

— Thibaut Buccellato (@Thibuch) August 9, 2024

When the Taliban returned to power three years ago, they prohibited women from attending university, public parks, and from playing sports. The homes of female athletes were also raided.

Unfortunately, Talash's actions resulted in her disqualification as the World DanceSport Federation said she displayed a political slogan.

Olympic rules prohibit athletes from giving political messages, although the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has eased these restrictions in recent years.

Talash had already been eliminated, so her disqualification did not actually cost her a place in the competition.

Talash, who settled in Spain with her younger brother, is one of 37 athletes competing for the refugee team in Paris.

She has previously opened up on how she received death threats in Afghanistan before she fled the country.