Mehbooba Ahadyar, Afghanistan's Only Female Olympian, Disappears in Italy

AOL ^ | July 13, 2008 | Michael David Smith

[FoxInSocks]

In March we introduced you to Mehbooba Ahadyar, a 19-year-old runner who was expected to be the only female on Afghanistan's Olympic team. She has qualified in the 1500 meters and the 3000 meters, and she was a source of great pride to many Afghan women, who were not permitted to participate in sports under the Taliban.

But now Ahadyar is missing. Time Magazine reports that Ahadyar was training in Italy with other Olympic athletes when she disappeared, apparently voluntarily, taking her bags and her passport with her.

"It was quite a surprise to us," a spokesman for the worldwide governing body of track and field told Time. "We don't know where she is. All we know is that she and her bags are gone."

Eurasianet.org reports that Ahadyar is likely seeking asylum in a European country, terrified of death threats she had received from extremists in Afghanistan who oppose women competing in sports. Sadly, those extremists may get their wish of keeping Afghanistan from sending female athletes to Beijing.

[HIDEK6]

She probably met up with Nadia Comenici and went out looking for a party.

[Tax-chick]

Nadia lives in Oklahoma. I saw her at the Albertson’s once.

[maine-iac7]

Considering the taliban in Afghanistan just took two women out in a field, on charges - probably trumped up - of prostitution, the same charge they're supposedly leveling at her, I hope she has gone into safe hiding, not been snatched by the barbarians.Prayers up for this brave pioneer...

[maine-iac7]

I forgot to insert "Considering the taliban in Afghanistan just took two women out in a field, on charges - probably trumped up - of prostitution...and shot them in the head (the photo of those 'brave' men all standing around with their faces covered as they slaughter women is sickening

[Sender]

It sounds like she is in hiding and not snatched by the barbarians...yet. The Taliban is famous for gunning down women who dare to learn or achieve anything. They would like nothing better than to kill this athlete publicly. They are indeed barbarians.

[Free State Four]

taking her bags and her passport with her.

But did she take the bag you make her wear over her head? That's the important thing.

[Charlespg]

It sounds like she is in hiding and not snatched by the barbarians...yet. The Taliban is famous for gunning down women who dare to learn or achieve anything. They would like nothing better than to kill this athlete publicly. They are indeed barbarians.

No the barbarians did not treat their woman like the muzzys do.
I prefer the term koran animals

[massgopguy]

Would I be going out on a limb if I guessed that the Islamic penalty for Defecting is death?

[Sender]

Qur’animals. Koranimals. Muhameddanimals. Beheaders. Car bombers. Executioners. “Honor” killers. Stiflers of life.

[PLMerite]

“I prefer the term koran animals “

Koranimals.

Like Grranimals only with knives.

[norton]

"But did she take the bag you make her wear over her head? That's the important thing."

Kind of sobering to imagine that the perfect disguise might be to show your face and ankles.

[TKDietz]

Dang. I was looking forward to seeing her sprinting in that burkha, jumping hurdles, pole vaulting.

[tvdog12345]

This woman is crazy. What woman wouldn’t want to live in Afghanistan, in the peace and security provided by Sharia law?

[Publius6961]

I really, really admire this woman.
She is already a winner and the Olympics have not yet officially begun!

Good luck in her new life.