The Refugee Olympic Team, comprising 36 athletes from 11 countries, is set to compete in Paris, aiming for their first-ever medal.
Established in 2015, the team symbolizes the resilience and spirit of the world’s displaced population, now exceeding 100 million people.
The team debuted with ten athletes at the 2016 Rio Games, growing to 29 participants in Tokyo 2020, which was postponed to 2021 due to the global pandemic.
This year’s contingent includes standout athletes such as 27-year-old Iranian-born kayaker Saman Soltani and weightlifter Yekta Jamali Galeh.
Soltani, who started in artistic swimming, faced restrictions in Iran that barred her from international competition. This led her to pursue kayaking, where she achieved significant success.
She moved to Austria in 2022 and was selected for the Olympic Refugee Team in May 2024. Soltani sees this opportunity as a mission for her family, friends, and everyone who supported her journey.
Similarly, Galeh moved to Germany at the age of 17, overcoming fear and uncertainty. Now training six days a week under Germany’s national weightlifting coach Almir Velagic, she embodies the strength and determination characteristic of many refugee athletes.
Velagic praised Galeh’s courage, noting that her life experiences uniquely prepare her for both sports and everyday challenges.
The Refugee Olympic Team, featuring athletes from countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Sudan, will compete in 12 different sports over the 17-day international event.
