Yusra Mardini facts for kids
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Yusra Mardini in 2016
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Native name | يسرى مارديني |
| Birth name | Yusra Mardini |
| Born | 5 March 1998 Darayya, Damascus, Syria |
| Occupation | competition swimmer |
| Years active | 2012 -2022 |
| Height | 1.68 m |
| Sport | |
| Country | Syria |
| Sport | Freestyle swimming, Butterfly stroke |
| Coached by | Sven Spannekrebs |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Olympic finals | member of Refugee Olympic Team 2016 and 2020 |
Yusra Mardini (Arabic: يسرى مارديني; born March 5, 1998) is a Syrian former competition swimmer. She is also a refugee from the Syrian Civil War. Yusra was part of the very first Refugee Olympic Team. This team competed under the Olympic flag at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
In April 2017, Mardini became a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. This means she helps the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. She also swam in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo with the Refugee Olympic Team. In 2023, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Her sister, Sarah Mardini, was also on this list.
Contents
Early Life and a Brave Journey
Growing Up in Syria
Yusra Mardini grew up in Damascus, Syria. She started swimming at a young age. The Syrian Olympic Committee supported her training. In 2012, she represented Syria in a big swimming competition. She swam in the 200-meter individual medley, 200-meter freestyle, and 400-meter freestyle events.
A Dangerous Escape
Sadly, Yusra's home was destroyed during the Syrian Civil War. In August 2015, Yusra and her sister Sarah decided they had to leave Syria. They traveled to Lebanon and then to Turkey. From Turkey, they planned a dangerous boat trip to Greece.
The boat was very small, meant for only 6 or 7 people. But 18 people were on board. While crossing the Aegean Sea, the boat's engine stopped. Water started to fill the boat. Yusra, Sarah, and two other strong swimmers jumped into the water. For over three hours, they pushed and pulled the boat. They kept everyone safe until they reached the island of Lesbos.
After this brave journey, they walked through Europe to Germany. They settled in Berlin in September 2015. Later, her parents and younger sister also came to Germany.
Swimming for Dreams
Training in Germany
Once in Germany, Yusra continued her swimming training. Her coach, Sven Spannekrebs, helped her at Wasserfreunde Spandau 04 in Berlin. Yusra hoped to qualify for the Olympics. She worked hard to prepare for the 200-meter freestyle swimming event.
Competing in the Olympics
In June 2016, Yusra was chosen for the new Refugee Olympic Team. This was a special team for athletes who had to leave their home countries. Yusra competed in the 100 metres freestyle and 100 metres butterfly at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. She won her 100-meter butterfly heat. Even though she didn't make it to the semi-finals, her story inspired many.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach spoke about the refugee athletes. He said they help these athletes achieve their dreams, even when they flee war.
Yusra also competed at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. She proudly carried the flag for the IOC Refugee Olympic Team during the opening ceremony. In the women's 100-meter butterfly, she swam well. However, she did not qualify for the next rounds.
"After the Olympics, I realised that it’s not just my story anymore. I realised that my responsibility is to raise awareness and bring hope to millions of refugees around the world and speak for all of those who do not have a voice".
Yusra decided to stop her swimming career in 2022. She then moved to Los Angeles. There, she began studying Cinema and Visual arts at the University of Southern California.
Helping Others
A Voice for Refugees
In May 2017, Yusra Mardini became the youngest-ever Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In this role, she visits refugee camps, like Zaatari camp in Jordan. She talks to refugees and encourages them. She also speaks at important meetings and gives interviews. Her goal is to raise awareness and give hope to millions of refugees worldwide.
In October 2017, Yusra joined a team of international athletes. They represented the Under Armour sports brand. Chris Bate, a manager at Under Armour, said they were inspired by her strength and achievements.
The Yusra Mardini Foundation
On June 20, 2023, which is World Refugee Day, Yusra officially started the Yusra Mardini Foundation. This foundation helps refugee communities by supporting sports and education. The Foundation has teams in both the US and Germany. They work to make a positive difference for refugees.
Beyond the Pool
Yusra has also been featured in fashion. In January 2023, she was on the cover of Harper's Bazaar Arabia. She also worked as a model at Milan Fashion Week in September 2023.
At the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Yusra Mardini worked for Eurosport and Discovery TV. She reported on the Refugee Olympic Team, sharing their stories with the world.
See also
In Spanish: Yusra Mardini para niños
