While celebs tend to establish profitable businesses, like restaurants and clothing brands which can make them ~a buck~, Yusra Mardini chooses a whole different direction. The Syrian swimmer just launched her own charitable organisation 😍. It’ll help refugees from all over the world to advance access to sports and education.
Via @yusramardini on Instagram
The big announcement was made on Instagram. In the most recent post, Yusra shared how emotional she feels about this day. As a refugee herself, the athlete made a looong journey to the Olympics, where she eventually won a 100-meter butterfly heat against four other swimmers. Queen 👏.
“So much still has to change for refugees. As the numbers of refugees keep increasing and their opportunities are becoming more limited, sadly often more deadly. I am grateful that, through the work of the Yusra Mardini Foundation, I will have the opportunity to push for that change,” Yusra shared.
Like a phoenix, she rose from the ashes and is now ready to help others. What an *icon*. But let us tell you more about Yusra’s journey.
What happened to Yusra Mardini?
She was born and raised in Damascus, trained with the support of the Syrian Olympic Committee. Everything went well for her until the Syrian war started. Her family house was destroyed and together with her sister Sara, they fled to Lebanon and then Turkey. Their goal destination was Greece.
Via @yusramardini on Instagram
The girls, with 18 other immigrants, used a boat that was meant for 6 people. Eventually, its motor broke, and Yusra, with two other people who were able to swim, pushed the boat for 3 hours until it reached the coast of Greece. Back then, Yusra was only 17.
Later, the athlete walked on foot through Europe to get to Germany, where she finally settled a month after the whole travelling.
Via @yusramardini on Instagram
FYI, Netflix made a movie about Yusra and Sara’s challenging journey to Europe.
To support the Yusra Mardini Foundation, visit the website.