12. From swimming for my life, to swimming in the Rio Olympics: The Story of Syrian athlete and refugee, Yusra Mardini

Asylum Speakers Podcast with Jaz O'Hara: Stories of Migration and Displacement

In today’s episode I talk to Yusra Mardini. We recorded this conversation in her flat in Hamburg, just before the world went into lockdown due to the Covid_19 pandemic.

During this time of self-isolation, it seems more important than ever to amplify voices like Yusra’s. As a Syrian refugee, Yusra knows what it feels like not to have borders open to her or the freedom to travel, and to be separated from loved ones for long periods of time.

Her story is one of ultimate adversity and huge triumph. She became well known for swimming her boat to shore when crossing as a refugee from Turkey to Greece, then going on to swim in the Rio Olympics one year later, as just 17 years old. She has now written a book, met Barack Obama and advocates for refugees worldwide. I’m sure that Yusra’s story is exactly what is needed during this pivotal moment in history.

In this episode we discuss social media, sisters, swimming and more. Her outlook, at such a young age, truly blew me away. I hope you enjoy it...

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