Yusra Mardini discusses importance of refugee teams at Dakar 2026

Yusra Mardini, a two-time Olympian, highlighted the significance of the refugee team participating in the Dakar Youth Olympic Games this fall, marking the first time a refugee team will compete at a Youth Olympics. Mardini emphasized that the team comprises Africa-based athletes, representing resilience amid displacement. Funded by the IOC's Olympic Solidarity, these athletes aim to inspire hope for more than 50 million displaced people. Mardini, who once represented the refugee team at the Rio and Tokyo Games, continues to advocate for refugees, promoting access to sports and education through her foundation. Ahead of the Dakar Games, the Olympic Refuge Foundation has extended support to additional athletes aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

• 7:08 PMYahoo Sports — Yusra Mardini on why Olympic refugee teams matter now more than ever