As you probably know, the summer Olympic Games this year are being held in Rio, Brazil. The best athletes from around the world have found themselves in South America, competing for those gold medals. No doubt you have caught the games on television and heard of all the wins (and losses). The United States has been very successful thus far. You’ve probably heard of Katie Ledecky, a 19-year-old swimmer who won four gold medals and set a world record. Or Simone Biles, another 19-year-old, who won gold in the gymnastics team all-around and the individual all-around. Yes, the United States is definitely a country to watch out for in the Olympics and everybody knows it. And with China and Great Britain following (in terms of medal counts) eyes are turned to these three countries. Each country roots for itself and the athletes they have produced. But what happens when you don’t have a country to represent?
That problem has finally been solved. For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, there is the Olympic Refugee Team (with their own teen star, Yusra Mardini). This team is made up of 10 athletes who have fled their countries and sought refuge in other countries. Back in March 2016, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that they would choose five to 10 refugees to compete in the Olympics, helping to bring attention to the “worldwide refugee crisis.” Did you even know such a team existed? Prepare to meet the incredible athletes of this amazing team:
The team didn’t exactly do “well” in terms of medals, but they have done more good for refugees around the world than any other team. This team of 10 individuals is proving to people everywhere that dreams can come true. They are showing everybody what happens when you believe in yourself and keep pushing forward. These athletes have beat incredible odds to get where they are today and it just goes to show that no matter what circumstance you find yourself in, it doesn’t determine what the rest of your life will be like. You determine the outcome of your life.
The Refugee Olympic Team is truly incredible. While you may never have heard any of their names before, now you will have. Rank is not what matters in life, it is what you do to inspire others that will carry you even further than a gold medal.
