The story of Yusra Mardini is extraordinary in many ways: the 18-year-old Syrian is a member of the Olympic Refugee team; she swam for life and saved fellow refugees when their rickety boat faced rough Mediterranean waves; she is a star for refugees when conflicts have beclouded the future of millions.
Her indomitable spirit has taken her to Rio Olympics, where Brazilians greeted her with enthusiasm. Sport lovers around the world have hailed her appearance at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
The teenage was excited with the outcome of her swim in the 100m butterfly heat in Rio, describing her experience to compete with top entrants as “amazing.”
Clocking 1 minute and 09.21 seconds, she finished 41st-fastest in the event, but she plans to lift her performance in the months and years ahead.
Mardin will Wednesday compete is a second individual event and swim the women’s 100-meter freestyle.
“My main aim is the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, I want to train a lot so that I arrive there with a good chance,” Mardini said, who is now settled in Germany.
“I have to thank the fans so much for their support, and on Wednesday I hope to do better,” she said in Rio de Janeiro.
Brazilian sport fans have warmly welcomed the refugee team right from their arrival at the airport to Olympic village and at events they are participating.
