They run, cycle or shoot in Switzerland, far from the conflicts they fled. Their mother tongues differ, but their passion for sports is the same. Behind their athletic achievements lie stories of war, exile and resilience. Today, these refugee athletes live in Switzerland and pursue their dreams, balancing integration with competition. They had no choice but to flee. But they chose to carry on. Portraits of five inspiring journeys.
Badreddin Wais – From war in Syria to the peace of Burgdorf
When he gets on his bike in the hills of the Emmental, Badreddin Wais forgets everything.
"Cycling has been like therapy for me," he says.
Born in Aleppo, he fled Syria in 2014 to escape the war, before rebuilding his life in Switzerland.
Now living near Bern, training is part of his daily routine, even in the rain, with the same determination that carried him to the Refugee Olympic Team at the Tokyo Games. His goal? To qualify for the next Olympic Games. But beyond medals, it's inner peace he cultivates with every turn of the pedals.
Tadesse Abraham – Running towards integration
The name Tadesse Abraham is now well known to running enthusiasts. And for good reason: this Eritrean-born marathon runner, Swiss citizen since 2014, has won numerous competitions, proudly representing his new country on the international stage.
But before that, Tadesse sought refuge in Switzerland, where he first lived in Zurich and Uster for a long time after arriving in 2004.
"Sport helped me integrate well. In running, you don't necessarily speak the same language, but you run together," he says.
Today, he uses his profile to encourage other young athletes to believe in their potential.
Musa Suliman – Sport as a universal language
Originally from Sudan, Musa Suliman fled the violence in Darfur before settling in Switzerland. He had previously lived in Egypt, where he worked as a teenager to support his family. Upon arriving in Switzerland, he joined a small Bernese football club. During training, he caught his teammates' attention, which led to an invitation to join a local running club where he quickly won an athletics competition.
In 2023, he was selected for the Refugee Olympic Team ahead of Paris 2024, a recognition of his talent, but also of his determination. For Musa, the track is a space for expression, a stage where he can finally stand tall, with pride.
"It was only through running that I found myself. Sport helps me overcome difficulties. Thanks to it, I was able to integrate more easily, learn German and meet people," he says.
Luna Solomon – Taking aim at a peaceful future
Luna Solomon grew up in a context of oppression in Eritrea, before fleeing to Europe and finding refuge in Switzerland. She had never touched a rifle before meeting Italian three-time Olympic shooting champion Niccolò Cipriani, who invited her to try his sport. Since then, she has developed a passion for sport shooting.
Based in Lausanne with her son, she trains with discipline in a precision sport where every breath counts. Selected for the Tokyo and Paris Games with the Refugee Olympic Team, she proudly represented displaced people around the world.
"This sport has changed my life for the better. I'm very grateful to Switzerland for opening the door to this discipline for me," says the young woman.
Habtom Amaniel – The endurance of exile
Eritrean runner Habtom Amaniel arrived in Switzerland in 2004, after a long journey marked by crossing the desert and detention. Settled in the canton of Vaud, he found a form of liberation in running.
“I knew I wanted to be a runner, but I lived in a small village. There were no facilities, no club, no coach,” recalls Amaniel. “I mostly ran to get to school. Ten kilometers to go, ten kilometers to come back.”
In 2024, his dream came true when he took part in the Paris Games: a reward for years of hard work and perseverance. And he has no intention of stopping there.
His tenacity remains intact, inspiring every young athlete with his iron will.
Photo and quote © Swissinfo
Universal stories, rooted in Switzerland
Whether they're cyclists, runners or elite shooters, these athletes have one thing in common: they've found in Switzerland not just a training ground, but also a home. Their journeys prove that exile doesn't put an end to dreams – quite the opposite. And whilst their past may be painful at times, it's the future they're looking towards, with strength and dignity.
Through sport, they build bridges between cultures, change perceptions of them and embody the potential of every human being, regardless of their origins.
Supporting refugee athletes means believing in the future
UNHCR supports the journeys of refugees, particularly through access to sport, education and professional integration. Because a sports ground can sometimes become the path to a fresh start.