Loading ...7 reasons why #Rio2016 has been epic for Arabs
Leyla Khalife
Stepfeed
Arabs may not be winning gold medals at the Olympics this year, but they are winning hearts. From occupied peoples, to refugees, to women, the Arabs had a better show of the normally under-represented than ever before. In a region that saw an especially tumultuous 2016, the games, we believe, present a glimmer of hope.
It’s only been a few days since the Olympics took off, but here are 7 reasons why Rio 2016 has been epic for Arabs:
1. 18-year-old heroine Yusra Mardini won her first Olympic swimming race
Refugee #YusraMardini swam across the Mediterranean while fleeing Syria – now she’s won her 1st heat at #Rio2016:https://t.co/8QZcg8gal8
— Fusion (@Fusion) August 8, 2016
Mardini swam to save 20 lives, so we’re not surprised that she won the 100-meter butterfly heat. But we’re extremely moved. The 18-year-old Syrian refugee is one of 10 athletes on #TeamRefugees to be competing in this years Olympic Games, and her backstory is extraordinary. A year ago, she was part of a group of refugees that took off on a boat from Turkey to Greece. The motor failed and he and her sister jumped into the open sea and swam for three hours to push the overcrowded boat to safety.
She didn’t qualify for the semi-finals, but Mardini won the race to roaring cheers and an outpouring of congratulations on social media.
2. #TeamRefugees deserved a standing ovation, and got one
#TeamRefugees gets a standing ovation. Two Syrian refugees on this amazing team. I’m rooting for them. #Syria pic.twitter.com/nH48IUu4U0
— Kenan كنان (@KenanRahmani) August 6, 2016
This was the first ever team to participate in the Olympics under no flag. Two of the remarkable athletes are Syrian.
3. Palestine had the largest team since it joined the Olympics in 1996
The team of 6 was not afraid to flaunt the traditions of a state that the majority of the world’s countries refuse to recognize. Decked out in embroidered dresses and kaffiyeh scarves, the team was bursting with excitement as they waved the Palestinian flag at the opening event.
The Palestinian delegation had to overcome major setbacks to get to Rio de Janeiro. Upon departure, the team’s gear was confiscated by Israeli authorities, sparking media uproar. The team was forced to purchase new equipment in Brazil.