Yusra Mardini fled Syria when a bomb dropped on her swimming pool - now she is an advocate, a two-time Olympian, and hopes France will improve its record on refugees after this summer's Games
The 'scary' rise of Archie Gray at Leeds - 'that family have fantastic genes'Yusra Mardini fled Syria when a bomb dropped on her swimming pool - now she is an advocate, a two-time Olympian, and hopes France will improve its record on refugees after this summer's Games. After the engine on their overcrowded boat broke down some 10km off the coast of Lesbos, the duo bravely jumped into the treacherous sea and swam — towing 18 other refugees to safety.
Having grown up in Damascus, Yusra knows firsthand the challenges of conflict and displacement in the world of sports. Her adolescent life and training came alongside a war that claimed the lives of more than 300,000 civilians over a ten-year period. When a bomb dropped on a pool she was training in, she decided to flee to Europe.
Yusra has become a vocal advocate for refugees seeking safety in retirement, and it’s not just France that she thinks can do better.. Branding the UK one of the “most diverse places” she’s ever been, she emphasised a greater need for compassion. Floating on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, Yusra relived her story to a captivated boat of listeners. Shortly after, she hurried to COP 2023 for yet another guest appearance. Having met with world leaders like, these high-profile speaking opportunities are now second nature to Yusra. But behind it all is a 25-year-old Syrian refugee who was forced to flee a home to which she was deeply connected.“I look back, and I miss my country every day. I miss everything,” she reflected.
“I believe that I was very lucky, after competing at the Olympic Games twice for the Refugee Olympic Team, to have a voice,” she said.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Paris 2024 and Chaumet unveil Olympic and Paralympic medalsMinako Norimatsu is a Japanese journalist and consultant based in Paris. Extremely curious about everything creative, her field ranges from fashion to art, dance, hospitality and travel. She has interviewed many Japanese fashion designers and artists for Wallpaper*, as well as non-Japanese creatives whose inspirations are drawn from Japan.
Read more »
Paris Fashion Week A/W 2024Paris Fashion Week A/W 2024 marks the culmination of fashion month with outings from industry's biggest names. Louis Vuitton celebrates ten years with a high-profile show. Dior looks back to its first-ever ready-to-wear collection.
Read more »
The Best Cargo Trousers In 2024 & How To Wear ThemThe humble, heavy-pocketed cargo trouser is trending. Shop Vogue’s edit of the best cargo pants for women, inspired by our favourite street-style stars.
Read more »
Vertex 2024: learn how to use Unreal Engine to create IPs with David LevyJoe is a regular freelance journalist and editor at Creative Bloq. He writes news and features, updates buying guides and keeps track of the best equipment for creatives, from monitors to accessories and office supplies.
Read more »
How to catch all of the action at 6 Music Festival 2024Celebrating live music with new and classic performances from 6 Music.
Read more »