Athlete Showcase: Meet the African Athletes of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team for Paris 2024

Amidst the grandeur and anticipation surrounding the Paris Olympics, there emerges a team whose journey transcends mere competition. The IOC Refugee Olympic Team, boasting 36 athletes from 11 nations under the banner of 15 National Olympic Committees, prepares to grace the world stage once more with nine athletes from Africa.

In particular, the tales of nine African athletes stand as poignant testaments to the indomitable human spirit. Hailing from disparate corners of the continent, these individuals have surmounted extraordinary challenges to etch their names on the Olympic canvas. Beyond the medals and accolades, lies a narrative of unparalleled resilience and unity. Join us as we delve into their inspiring journeys, where courage, determination, and unwavering resolve converge on the world’s most prestigious sporting platform.

You can discover more captivating stories of remarkable African athletes on the global stage by downloading ProTouch Africa’s Podium Pursuit Fan App today.

“These athletes, symbols of hope amidst global adversity, epitomize the essence of the Olympic spirit. As they gear up to compete across 12 diverse sports, their stories illuminate the path of perseverance in the face of displacement and hardship”. IOC President Thomas Bach

Photo: Andy Chubb/GB Boxing

Born in Cameroon, Cindy Ngamba’s journey led her to the UK at the age of 11, where she discovered her passion for sports. Initially drawn to football, she later found her true calling in boxing. Joining the GB Boxing Team, Ngamba thrived, becoming a three-time English national champion.

Her dedication and skill made history as she became the first-ever refugee boxer to qualify for the Olympic Games, earning her a spot in the prestigious Paris 2024 event.

“Have a dream? Keep pushing it. Hard work will take you far in anything you do.” Cindy Ngamba

Photo: Léa Didier

Farida’s journey began in Jimma, Ethiopia, where her love for running, football, and karate ignited. Faced with adversity, she embarked on a journey that led her through numerous countries before finding refuge in France, where she sought asylum.

Today, Farida, a recipient of the Refugee Athlete Scholarship, resides in Strasbourg, training fervently under the mentorship of her coach, Gerard, and a nurturing community. With unwavering dedication, she relentlessly pursues her dream of competing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Photo: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

Tachlowini’s odyssey began at a tender age of 12 when he fled the instability in Eritrea alongside his 13-year-old companion. Their arduous journey led them through Ethiopia and Sudan before braving the perilous crossing of the Sinai to reach Israel. Recalling a sage trick learned from his friend’s father, they safeguarded their path by aligning their shoes in the direction of travel during rest, ensuring they wouldn’t lose their way come dawn.

Despite facing detention upon arrival in Israel, Tachlowini found solace and purpose at a school in Hadera, where he encountered his running coach. It has been eight years since he bid farewell to his family, a sacrifice echoing with every stride he takes. In 2020, Tachlowini’s prowess shone as he achieved the World Athletics A limit in marathon running, clocking an impressive 2:10:55 at the Agmon Hahula Marathon, thus qualifying him for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

His performance during the Games was nothing short of remarkable, crossing the finish line 16th with a time of 2:14:02. Not only did he excel in his athletic endeavors, but he also had the honor of bearing the flag for the IOC Refugee Olympic Team alongside Yusra Mardini, embodying resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

“It is a long journey and a huge challenge, it is not easy to leave your family, to leave your mother … but one must never give up.” Tachlowini Melake Gabriyesos

Photo: ER /Cedric JACQUOT

Eyeru Gebru, a prominent Ethiopian racing cyclist, has made her mark on the international stage, representing her nation with distinction. Notable achievements include a silver medal in the women’s road race at the 2019 African Continental Championships, along with gold medals in the team time trial in both 2018 and 2019.

Amidst the civil unrest in northern Ethiopia in 2021, Eyeru sought refuge in France, where she currently resides. Balancing rigorous training sessions with diligent French language studies, her singular focus remains set on the ultimate goal: Paris 2024.

“Cycling…I don’t have enough words to express what it means to me. I want to ride my bike all of my life. I want to win the biggest races, to inspire other African girls. No matter what happened to me, the strength of the passion I had for cycling gave me the strength to pass through all of those bad moments. Hearing bad news from my country was hard, but the sport of cycling saved my life.” Eyeru Tesfoam Gebru

Photo: JP Durand

Originally hailing from Congo, Dorian’s running journey commenced at the age of fifteen. Tragedy struck with the loss of both parents, compelling him to flee his hometown at seventeen, finding refuge first in Lisbon and later settling in Paris. Presently, he trains diligently in Ulis, France, under the guidance of coach Eliot Draper.

Dorian’s perseverance led him to compete in Tokyo 2020, where he achieved a personal best of 10.33 seconds in the 100 meters. With unwavering determination, he now sets his sights on competing in an Olympic Games in his adopted hometown of Paris.

“No matter how many difficulties you face you have to believe in what you do and when you believe in it, you can do anything, whether you are a refugee or not.” Dorian Keletela

Photo: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images

Born amidst the turmoil of war in South Sudan, Perina’s early years were marked by displacement and uncertainty. At the tender age of seven, she sought refuge in Kenya alongside her aunt, escaping the conflict that ravaged her homeland.

Finding herself in the Kakuma Refugee Camp, Perina discovered solace and purpose through sports, initially finding joy in basketball and football before uncovering her true passion for running. Inspired by Athing Mu, the Olympic champion of South Sudanese descent, Perina found motivation to pursue her dreams against all odds.

In August 2023, Perina reached a significant milestone by representing the Athlete Refugee Team at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, competing in the same arena as her role model, Mu. Today, running serves as both a daily ritual, helping her navigate the challenges of camp life, and a beacon of hope as she relentlessly pursues her Olympic aspirations.

“In Kakuma, life can be monotonous. Wake up, fetch water, go to school, then back home. Some days, when you are lucky, you have something to eat. If not, as the eldest, the little that is there you leave for the younger ones.” Perina Lokure Nakang

Photo: Reuters 

Luna’s journey as an Eritrean refugee led her to Switzerland in 2015, where she found solace and stability. A devoted mother to her young son, Luna’s life took an unexpected turn when she crossed paths with Niccolò Campriani, a revered Italian triple Olympic champion sports shooter, during her time in Lausanne.

Inspired by his offer, Luna embraced the opportunity to train in air rifle shooting, a discipline unfamiliar to her. After a day of trials, Luna was offered the chance to pursue her dream of competing at the Olympic Games. Currently, she dedicates three days a week to rigorous training in Lausanne, honing her skills under the guidance of her esteemed coach, Nicco. Luna’s determination and resilience were evident when she proudly represented the IOC Refugee Olympic Team at Tokyo 2020.

With her sights set on Paris 2024, Luna embarks on a dual journey of athletic pursuit and motherhood, striving to achieve the Olympic minimum qualification score while balancing the responsibilities of studying and caring for her son. Her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images 

Jamal’s journey began in Darfur, where as a teenager, he made the heartbreaking decision to flee his homeland, leaving behind his mother and siblings. Enduring a perilous trek through Egypt and the Sinai Desert, Jamal finally found refuge in Israel, where he was granted protection as a refugee. In his new home, Jamal found hope and opportunity through the Alley Runners Club in Tel Aviv.

This sports club, dedicated to supporting underprivileged athletes, became Jamal’s lifeline, providing him with the resources he needed to rebuild his life. Through the club, Jamal not only found a passion for running but also learned Hebrew and found a supportive community to help him integrate into his new country.

Jamal’s dedication and hard work paid off when he represented his adopted home at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, competing in the 5000m event at the iconic National Stadium. There, he achieved a personal best time of 13:42:98, a testament to his determination and resilience.

Today, Jamal continues to pursue his athletic dreams, training diligently in Tel Aviv while living with his host family. With his sights set on Paris 2024, Jamal remains focused and determined, ready to represent his country once again on the world stage.

“My life has changed a lot. I get to travel around the world to go for competitions, to go for training camps in other countries. It’s just like a dream come true.” Jamal Abdelmaji Eisa Mohammed

Photo: MusaSulimanIG 

Born in Sudan in 2004, Musa’s early years were shaped by the harsh realities of war and displacement. At the tender age of nine, he relocated to Cairo with his family to tend to his father’s health. Working tirelessly to support his loved ones, Musa’s resilience and determination were evident from a young age.

In 2021, Musa’s journey led him to Switzerland as a refugee, where his passion for sports became a beacon of hope. Joining a local football club in Bern, he soon captured attention with his remarkable speed during training sessions, earning him an invitation to a local running club. It was here that Musa’s natural talent for running shone through, culminating in a victorious performance in a 400m competition. For Musa, athletics became more than just a sport; it became a transformative force, boosting his confidence and enhancing his communication skills and relationships. Today, he dedicates himself to training six days a week, steadily improving his proficiency in German while eagerly anticipating his debut at the Olympic Games. Musa’s journey exemplifies the power of sport to uplift and empower individuals, transcending barriers and inspiring hope for a brighter future.

Source: Olympics.com

 In the countdown to the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the narratives of these African athletes emerge as powerful testaments to the unwavering resilience of the human spirit. Through their journeys marked by displacement and hardship, they epitomize the qualities of perseverance, tenacity, and optimism, igniting a flame of inspiration that transcends borders. As the world gathers to celebrate athletic excellence, let us not only applaud their achievements on the field but also honor the enduring spirit they represent—a spirit that reminds us of the boundless capacity within each of us to overcome obstacles and reach for our dreams. In their stories, we find a universal message of hope, uniting us in the shared pursuit of greatness and reminding us that amidst challenges, the human spirit shines brightest.

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