When Life Feels Out of Control: Learn How to Thrive in Turbulent Times With Olympian Yusra Mardini

Olympic swimmer and Syrian refugee Yusra Mardini fled the Syrian Civil War with her sister Sara, making the perilous journey to Europe at only seventeen, including a treacherous crossing of the Aegean Sea in 2015. After finding refuge in Germany, Yusra was selected to compete as part of the inaugural Refugee Olympic Team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and again in Tokyo four years later. On World Refugee Day 2023, Yusra announced the launch of her non-profit, The Yusra Mardini Foundation, which aims to improve access to sports and education for refugee communities. Yusra has become a powerful advocate for forcibly displaced people worldwide. Episode 61 explores the challenges of living in a war-torn country, the importance of not judging refugees, and how to use your voice to make a positive impact. We discuss: Being born in Syria Beginning to swim at age 3 Dreaming of becoming the next Michael Phelps at age 9 Facing the onset of war at age 13 Enduring the traumas of the Syrian conflict Undertaking a 25-day journey from Syria to Germany Crossing the Aegean Sea on a dinghy Keeping the Olympic dream alive Helping establish the Refugee Olympic Team Aims to change the perception of refugees How I Became Podcast Episode Links: Yusra Mardini's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yusra-mar... Yusra Mardini's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yusramardin... https://www.yusramardinifoundation.org/ Chapters: 00:00:00 - Fleeing Syria at 13 years old 00:02:18 - From Syria to Olympic Swimming 00:04:48 - Starting Swimming at a Young Age 00:07:27 - The Daily Routine in Damascus 00:09:55 - Witnessing the Start of War in Syria 00:12:23 - Mourning the Loss in Syria 00:14:51 - The Youth Olympic Games and Political Reasons for Quitting Swimming 00:17:10 - Pursuing a Different Path in Life 00:19:22 - Life in a War Zone 00:21:30 - Packing for the Journey 00:26:24 - The Expensive Boat Journey 00:28:44 - Guardian Angels on the Boat 00:31:10 - Heartbreaking Journey across the Ocean 00:33:25 - A Life-Threatening Situation at Sea 00:35:40 - The Rescue at Sea 00:37:58 - Journey to Germany 00:40:26 - Impressive Syrian Swimmers 00:42:39 - Representing a Refugee Olympic Team 00:45:14 - The Impact of the Olympic Stadium 00:47:37 - Competing at the Olympics 00:49:54 - The Struggles and Dreams of Refugees 00:52:19 - Refugees and Stereotypes in the UK 00:54:49 - The Importance of Welcoming Immigrants in Society 00:57:10 - Supporting the Refugee Olympic Team 00:59:32 - A Heartwarming Moment 01:01:59 - A Heartfelt Story of Gratitude Unity & Motion - https://unityandmotion.com/ A London-based production company specialising in commercials and branded content Email: [email protected] Credits: Director: Charles Parkinson Poet & VO Artist: Ashley Samuels-McKenzie Editor: Catherine Singh #olympics #olympic #olympics2024 #refugees #refugeestories #lifestory #podcast