The 23-year-old cyclist fled Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Before leaving the country, Hashimi said she had trained in disguise to avoid being recognised or attacked while cycling in her home province of Faryab, where women faced severe restrictions.
Hashimi won silver in the women's road race near Nagoya, Japan, on Tuesday. The achievement came after she finished seventh in the women's individual time trial on Sunday.
Describing the medal as "something special," Hashimi said she hopes her achievement will encourage other women and girls in Afghanistan to continue pursuing their ambitions despite the challenges they face.
"I was born inside a country where the women who dream are getting attacked, and I'm really happy that I have fought against that," she said.
"I hope that the next generation will come here and represent their country without any fear."
Hashimi began cycling at the age of 15, following her sister Yulduz, who is also an international cyclist. Pursuing the sport was dangerous in their home province, and Hashimi said she had to take significant precautions to attend training sessions.
"I always dressed as a man to go to training, wearing two or three different masks so people would not recognise or attack me," she previously told Reuters.
She also recalled having stones thrown at her while riding her bicycle.
Hashimi now lives and trains in Italy with support from former Italian world champion Alessandra Cappellotto. She and Yulduz represented Afghanistan at the 2024 Paris Olympics and are now looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Reflecting on the restrictions imposed on women in Afghanistan, Hashimi said the Taliban had "taken away our freedom."
She described her silver medal as a symbol of resilience for Afghan women and said she believes she is not alone in pursuing her dreams.
"I'm not alone, I know that behind me millions of women, from many countries, have the same dream and they are standing with me," she said.
Hashimi remains determined to continue her career and compete at the highest level.
"I never want to give up," she said, expressing hope for another opportunity to represent Afghanistan at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
