The refugee athletes competing under the Olympic flag
This summer in Rio a team of 10 athletes will represent the millions of displaced people around the world
For the first time in the history of the Games, 10 athletes displaced by war and turmoil will compete under the Olympic flag. A refugee team has been created composed of five South Sudanese runners, two Syrian swimmers, one Ethiopian marathon runner, and two judoists from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“It sends out a signal to the international community that refugees are our fellow human beings and are an enrichment to society,” says Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, adding, “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 the strength of the human spirit.”
Rami Anis
Country of origin: Syria
Country of residence: Belgium
Sport: Swimming
Yiech Pur Biel
Country of origin: South Sudan
Country of residence: Kenya
Sport: Track and field
Specialty: 800 meters
James Nyang Chiengjiek
Country of origin: South Sudan
Country of residence: Kenya
Sport: Track and field
Specialty: 400 meters
Yonas Kinde
Country of origin: Ethiopia
Country of residence: Luxemburg
Sport: Track and field
Specialty: Marathon
Anjelina Nada Lohalith
Country of origin: South Sudan
Country of residence: Kenya
Sport: Track and field
Specialty: 1,500 meters
Rose Nathike Lokonyen
Country of origin: South Sudan
Country of residence: Kenya
Sport: Track and field
Specialty: 800 meters
Paulo Amotun Lokoro
Country of origin: South Sudan
Country of residence: Kenya
Sport: Track and field
Specialty: 1,500 meters
Yolande Bukasa Mabika
Country of origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country of residence: Brazil
Sport: Judo
Specialty: 70 kilograms
Yusra Mardini
Country of origin: Syria
Country of residence: Germany
Sport: Swimming
Popole Misenga
Country of origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Country of residence: Brazil
Sport: Judo
Specialty: 90 kilograms
English version by Allison Light
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