Refugee Olympic Team: A Symbol of Determination and Courage
By Shariq Ali
Valueversity
During my early youth, it was common to see trucks laden with belongings of refugees from Afghanistan passing by the superhighway in front of our neighborhood. Afghan household items were tied with ropes on the trucks. The men of the families sat on the quilts and mattresses. Russian and American interests were at odds in Afghanistan. Many innocent people, along with some extremely selfish and cunning individuals, were involved in the war and crime for both worldly and spiritual greed. Migration is not a new subject. The Homo sapiens of Africa also migrated in search of peace and prosperity, first to India, then to the Middle East, and later to other parts of the world. Migration and refuge have always been part of the human story. But today we will talk about the Refugee Olympic Team. The story of these determined and courageous people who have no nationality, but as complete human beings, they certainly represent countless people like themselves in the Olympics.
The Refugee Olympic Team (ROT) first made headlines during the Rio 2016 Olympics as a symbol of hope and perseverance. Comprising a few athletes who had left their countries due to war, conflict, and oppression, this team won the hearts of people worldwide with their incredible individual talents.
Interestingly, this team was formed just a few months before the Rio Games. Despite the limited preparation time, ten refugee athletes from countries like Syria, South Sudan, and the Republic of Congo participated in various sports, including swimming, athletics, and judo.
The brightest and most golden story is that of Yusra Mardini. A Syrian swimmer who emerged as a global sensation. Once, she pushed a sinking boat carrying fellow refugees to safety for more than three hours in the Aegean Sea. At the Rio Olympics, she showcased her determination, strength, and talent by winning the 100-meter butterfly heat.
Another prominent figure was Tegla Loroupe, a Kenyan marathon runner and former world record holder, who served as the team’s Chef de Mission. Her leadership and passion were instrumental in guiding the athletes through their Olympic journey.
The Refugee Olympic Team participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with twenty-nine athletes from eleven countries, competing in twelve different sports. This participation will be remembered in human history as an effort to unite the spirit of humanity and the power of sports to inspire the human race.
Currently, at the Paris Olympic Games, the Refugee Team consists of thirty-six athletes from eleven different countries. These athletes represent over ten million displaced people around the world. The team will compete in twelve different sports, including swimming, athletics, and boxing. The team is led by Chef de Mission Masooma Ali Zada. The aim of this team is to become a symbol of hope and determination for refugees worldwide. The team maintains a gender balance. Their presence at the Olympics demonstrates global respect for human potential and excellence.
In a world often divided by borders, the Refugee Olympic Team is an example of relentless pursuit towards the dream of unity and humanity without borders. This dream must remain alive, regardless of the circumstances.