#RoadToRio has been a trending theme for all athletes' journeys to this year's Olympics in Brazil. Years of intense training, skill development and hard work are just some of the experiences behind every Olympian.
Of the thousands of athletes who are competing in the Olympics, 10 athletes, in particular, have likely had the longest, most arduous road to Rio. These 10 individuals comprise the first Refugee team to compete in Olympic history. Hailing from South Sudan, Syria, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ethiopia, these athletes have overcome incredibly difficult circumstances to get where they are today.
The four male and six female athletes will not be representing one country, but all countries and refugees across the globe who have long endured burdensome experiences like abuse, famine, and war. They will compete under the Olympic flag and march into the opening ceremonies with the Olympic anthem playing in their recognition.
It is breathtaking to see individuals overcome so much strife in their lives and still find the strength to go for the gold at the biggest sporting event in the world. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency release a segment featuring former wrestling champion Mohammed, a Syrian refugee and wrestling coach for Jordan's Za'atari camp. "The participation of the refugees in the Olympics is a very important thing," expressed Mohammed, "What's more beautiful is that despite being refugees and carrying all the wounds from the war, they get to participate and carry the Olympic message, which is all about countries supporting each other and achieving world peace."
Team Refugees is comprised of two swimmers from Syria (Rami Anis and Yusra Mardini), five runners from South Sudan (Yiech Pur Biel, James Nyang Chiengjiek, Anjelina Nadai Llohalith, Paulo Amotun Lokoro, and Rose Nathike Lokonyen), judokas from Congo (Popole Misenga and Yolande Mabika), and lastly a marathon runner from Ethiopia (Yonas Kinde). Associated Press highlighted each athlete's story in Pursuing the Dreams: Refugee Olympians, displaying how they triumphed through great struggle to become Olympians.
Each refugee has a different story. Each refugee has a different journey. For these 10 amazing individuals, their journeys have each led them to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, competing on an international stage. Even though they do not compete for bragging rights for their respective countries, like other Olympic athletes, they do create hope. I'm anxious to see their performances in their respective events in the coming weeks.
Follow the official Refugee team Twitter page, @RefugeeOlympicTeam, to receive updates on the team's experience competing in Rio.
