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The Swimmers: Yusra Mardini’s Incredible Escape from War-Torn Syria

Yusra Mardini participated in the 2016 Olympics at the age of 17.

New Delhi:

April 6 is globally recognized as International Day of Sport for Peace to pay tribute to all the athletes who were forced to leave their homeland but did not abandon their aspirations. One such athlete is Yusra Mardini, who escaped conflict-ridden Syria as a teenager but later competed in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games as a part of the Refugee Olympic Team.

Yusra Mardini was born in the heart of Damascus, Syria. Her father’s stories of swimming achievements inspired her from a young age. She was passionate about swimming, driven by the desire to win an Olympic medal. However, her life took a tragic turn as civil war engulfed her country, destroying her way of life.

At the age of 13, Yusra’s world fell apart amidst the turmoil of war. The safety of her home became a distant memory as bombs destroyed their neighborhood, forcing her family to seek shelter with relatives. Despite the chaos, Yusra held on to her dreams, training diligently despite the dangers.

In 2015, after enduring four years of shelling and threats, Yusra Mardini and her older sister Sara made the decision to flee the country in search of safety. After reaching Turkey through Lebanon, the two sisters arranged to be transported to Greece by boat. However, their journey was fraught with peril.

When the boat’s engine failed, risking the lives of everyone on board, Yusra, Sara, and another passenger jumped into the water and pushed the boat for hours until they reached Greece, saving the lives of everyone onboard.

Their arduous 25-day journey eventually brought them to Germany, where Yusra sought comfort in the familiar waters. Despite the challenges of displacement and adapting to a new country, Yusra persisted in pursuing her dreams. She joined a local swimming club in Berlin, where her remarkable talent caught the attention of coaches and the public.

The peak of her journey came in 2016 when Yusra, as a member of the Refugee Olympic Team, stood on the global stage at the Rio Olympics. Although her performance in the 100m butterfly heat placed her in the lower ranks, her achievement went beyond the medal podium. According to her, she carried not only the Olympic flag but also the aspirations and dreams of a worldwide community.

In a conversation with five-time Olympic champion Katie Ledecky on Olympic Day, the young swimmer remarked: “The moment I entered the stadium, that changed my perspective on the term refugee.”

“I may not be carrying my country’s flag, but I am carrying the Olympic flag, which symbolizes the entire world,” Yusra remarked.

Yusra’s unwavering determination continues to motivate millions worldwide. As the youngest ever UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, her advocacy for refugee rights resonates far beyond the swimming pool.

The release of “The Swimmers” in 2022 further solidified her legacy, while her inclusion in TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People In The World in 2023 confirmed her impact on society.

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