Reigning Olympic gold medalist, Mariama Jamanka never thought the words ‘Olympic Champion’ would apply to her, as a relative newcomer to bobsledding and as a member of the former 2nd German sled. In PyeongChang, Mariama and brakewoman, Lisa Buckwitz shattered all expectations, shocking the world by winning gold.

What does it take to be the FIRST? To dream beyond what’s considered possible? Marine Fatoumata Camara is the first and only elite female boxer from Mali. We asked Marine how she found her inner strength despite facing adversity She shares, “When I set my mind to something, I don’t know how to stop. I’m not stupid but sometimes i’m too resilient because I don’t know how to say no…the slightest thing that you can do could have an impact on someone you may never meet so just keep working hard.”

Marta was the “little Chinese” girl, but when she found track, she was better than everyone (including the guys), so she became “the fast girl.” According to Marta, running was what made her different and special. “When you find something that you can hold onto, you’re going to show off your superpower.” For Marta, that was running.

Marta grew up speaking Portuguese, with a Portuguese name, eating Portuguese food, living in Portuguese culture, yet her Mom spoke Chinese and was from a different culture. This was a challenge. According to Marta, “When I was a kid, all I wanted was to be the same. And now I want to embrace everything that is a part of me…I wish I was more different.”

Today’s episode focuses on identity, and how Marta has evolved from wanting to blend in to wanting to express her full self. We talk about how she found track, her work ethic, and hopes for the future of women’s sport.

Marzieh, the daughter of two Afghan parents, grew up as a refugee in Iran. “They treated us differently” she shares, which eventually led her family to move back home to Afghanistan. In her home country, Marzieh joined the Taekwondo national team and quickly climbed the ranks, where she remained until the 2021 Taliban takeover. That’s when everything changed…

Women can no longer go to school, the gym, or even outside without a male chaperone. As Marzieh shares, “The Taliban told me not to come back to the gym and if I did, they would do what they wanted with me.”

She had to flee the country and has since lived in France, where once again, she’s a refugee. Despite settling into a new country, home is always on her mind; “I have to use my freedom to talk about Afghan women…Nobody will kill me here if I talk about the Taliban and the problems.” So that’s what she’s doing. In today’s episode, Marzieh shares what she wants the world to know about Afghan women (+ shares three asks below).

As Marzieh looks to the future, she’s not going to sugar coat things. Right now, no she’s not hopeful for the future of Afghan women, but she shares that “after the dark, always comes light.”

Marzieh has three asks of you:

1. Write about Afghan women in your social media. Flame Bearers has graphics that you can share to support Marzieh and other Afghan women. DM us and we will share so you can post.

2. Donate to nonprofits working on the ground in Afghanistan. A few organizations to consider: World Food Program, International Rescue Committee, and Save the Children

3. If you’re in a position to hire, employ or support a refugee in your community, do so.

Mialitiana (Mia) is the first woman Winter Olympian from Madagascar and her goal is to “inspire all Africans.” While she grew up in France with her adoptive parents, a big part of Mia’s identity is as a Malagasy, and she wants to be living proof that a black African woman can reach the top in this sport.