Crossed swimming the Aegean sea to be saved and now she is preparing for the Olympics in Rio

Seven months ago, the Γιούσρα Μαρντίνι swam in the icy waters of the…
Aegean sea to escape the war in Syria, along with her sister. Today is preparing for the Olympic Games of 2016. The talent in swimming was what saved her life, but also about other 20 refugees.
The 18-year-old swimmer was something like a local star in swimming in the country, as well as participated in several races and had a lot of potential. The same and her sister.
When the war broke out, their parents tried to keep them away from the war zones, however, it quickly became obvious that they could not escape and their stay was dangerous.


The coup de grâce came when their home in Damascus was destroyed. The family left the country in early August. She got into one of the boats of smugglers on the Turkish coast and headed for the island along with 20 other refugees.
Halfway the motor of the boat broke down and almost sink the boat. The two sisters, the only ones who knew how to swim, dove into the water and directing the boat towards the shore while keeping it parallel to the surface…
After the heroic act of the two sisters continued their journey to Germany, passing through five other countries with his feet.

On the dangerous path faced with many problems. They were arrested at the border and robbed, but despite all the problems, they stayed strong and continued their journey.
After 35 days finally arrived to their destination and no longer live safely with their parents in Berlin.
Luck fit and the Γιούσρα met a coach of swimming in the local group who recognised the talent and now the coaching on a daily basis.



The goal of Μαρντίνι originally was to claim the participation for the Olympic 2020 in Tokyo, but the coach thinks she is ready to participate in this year’s Olympic Games, through the group of refugees which will be established by the International Olympic Committee.
The Commission will choose 5-10 athletes from the refugees about this and the Γιούσρα he trains daily so hard, along with her homework, and has received a scholarship from the Olympic Committee.
Having lost everything, and after a dangerous journey now Γιούσρα is optimistic about the future and hopes that her example will give strength to the rest of the refugees.