Last Friday, the International Olympic Committee released the names and profiles of the ten refugee athletes from countries in Africa and the Middle East that will compete in the 2016 Olympics for the Refugee Olympic Team (ROT). This team, originally announced in March, will be the first of its kind.
In a statement, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “This will be a symbol of hope for all the refugees in our world, and will make the world better aware of the magnitude of this crisis. It is also a signal to the international community that refugees are our fellow human beings and are an enrichment to society. These refugee athletes will show the world that despite the unimaginable tragedies that they have faced, anyone can contribute to society through their talent, skills and strength of the human spirit.” The UN Refugee Agency released profiles on each member of the team.
Meet the 2016 Refugee Olympic Team:
Yolande Mabika (left) and Popole Misenga (right) are both originally from Democratic Republic of the Congo. Both of them train in Brazil, and they will both compete in judo. “I want to be part of the Refugee Olympic Athletes team to keep dreaming – to give hope to all refugees and take sadness out of them.” Misenga said.
Paulo Amotun Lokoro was a young herder on what is now South Sudan and says he “knew nothing” of the world except his own homeland, which had been at war for almost all his life. He decided to flee to Kenya and will now compete in the men’s 1500m.
Ethiopian runner, Yonas Kinde, has lived in Luxembourg for 5 years. When speaking of his life in Ethiopia and his role in the Olympics he says, “It’s impossible for me to live there, it’s very dangerous for my life. I think it will be the big message that refugees, young athletes, they can do their best.” Kinde will compete in marathon.
Rose Nathike Lokonyen is originally from South Sudan, currently trains in Kenya, and is preparing to run the 800m event at the Olympics. “I will be very happy and I will just work hard and prove myself,” she says. “I will be representing my people there at Rio, and maybe if I succeed, I can come back and conduct a race that can promote peace, and bring people together.”
Yusra Mardini, originally from Syria, is preparing to compete in the women’s 200m freestyle event. “I want to represent all the refugees because I want to show everyone that, after the pain, after the storm, comes calm days,” she says. “I want to inspire them to do something good in their lives.”
Rami Anis is a Syrian competitive swimmer as well and will compete in the 100m butterfly. “Swimming is my life,” Rami says. “The swimming pool is my home. With the energy I have, I am sure I can achieve the best results. It will be a great feeling to be a part of the Olympics.”
Anjelina Nadai Lohalith has not seen or spoken to her parents since she was six, and was forced to flee her home in southern Sudan. She says that her main motivation as she trains to compete in the 1500m event in Rio is helping her parents. If she wins, the first thing she would do is build her father a better house.
James Nyang Chiengjiek is also from South Sudan and is training for the 800m event. “By running well, I am doing something good to help others – especially refugees,” he says. “Maybe among them are athletes with talent, but who did not yet get any opportunities. We are refugees like that, and some of us have been given this opportunity to go to Rio. We have to look back and see where our brothers and sisters are, so if one of them also has talent, we can bring them to train with us and also make their lives better.”
Also from South Sudan and competing in the 800m event, Yiech Pur Biel says that he can show his fellow refugees “that they have a chance and a hope in life.” Pur Biel says “through education, but also in running, you can change the world.”
