German-based Syrian refugee Yusra Mardini won her first Olympic swimming race Saturday, but what she has accomplished so far goes beyond that.
Mardini is one of 10 athletes on the first-ever Refugee Olympic Team participating in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Yet, before using her talent to win medals, she had swum to stay alive. Mardini fled war-torn Syria and earned hero status on her way to Greece after helping push a jam-packed boat for three hours, saving around 20 people from drowning.
Mardini has enchanted the world with a warm smile and wise words you wouldn't hear from a typical 18-year-old. Everyone has been rooting for Mardini and her team ever since the International Olympic Committee announced the team's formation.
After Mardini won her heat in the 100-meter butterfly race yesterday, the world proved yet again that we're all on #TeamRefugees.
The excitement was real
Almost unreasonably real
After all, cheering for #TeamRefugees has nothing to do with nationality
She is inspiring people from around the world, breaking boundaries
While changing minds and attitudes about refugees
Though not all of the attention has been positive
Who also suggested that the Hunger Games were a good idea
Unfortunately, Mardini's timing did not qualify her to the semifinals of the butterfly event, but she's not leaving the Olympic scene yet. She will compete at the 100-meter freestyle event on August 10.