The 2024 Paris Olympics has been a remarkable event, highlighting in particular the incredible achievements of the Refugee Olympic Team, with 37 athletes competing across 12 different sports. This year’s games also marked a historic milestone as the team secured its first-ever medal. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout moments from the Paris 2024 Olympics.  

The formation of the Refugee Olympic Team can be traced back to 2015 when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) established a refugee emergency fund. This initiative aimed to integrate refugees into sports and provide them the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games. The creation of the team was a response to the global crisis that saw 65 million people in 2015 forced to flee their homes due to conflict or natural disasters. Now, with 120 million people displaced worldwide, the Refugee Olympic Team serves as a beacon of hope for refugees everywhere. This year, the team consists of 37 athletes representing 11 different countries. The IOC Refugee Olympic Team is participating in the Olympics for the third time, following its previous appearances in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2020.  

Masomah Ali Zada, whom we interviewed two years ago as the charity partner of the Genève Triathlon. was born in Afghanistan into a conservative community where girls were discouraged from riding bikes. Despite these challenges, she persevered and eventually became a member of the Afghan women’s national cycling team. In 2017, she became a refugee and sought asylum in France. Shortly thereafter, she was awarded an IOC Refugee Athlete Scholarship, bringing her one step closer to her dream of competing in the Olympic Games. Now, as the Cheffe de Mission, Masomah Ali Zada acted as the figurehead and spokesperson for the Refugee Olympic Team. She ensured that the team's best interests were upheld, and she used the Olympic platform to highlight the power of sport in fostering inclusive communities. 

Cindy Ngamba made history as the first refugee athlete to win an Olympic medal. Competing in the 75kg boxing category at the Paris Games, Cindy delivered a dominant performance, securing her place in the semi-finals by defeating France's Davina Michel. Although she lost to Panama's Alheyn in the semi-finals, Cindy’s accomplishment as the first medalist from the Refugee Olympic Team is groundbreaking. Originally from Cameroon, where same-sex relationships are illegal, Cindy fled to the United Kingdom and has lived there for over a decade. Her achievement marks a significant milestone, both personally and for the Refugee Olympic Team. 

Luna Solomon made her second Olympic games in Paris this year. She shared her thoughts with us before the beginning of the games. The 30-year-old shooter, who arrived in Switzerland in 2015 after having fled Eritrea, placed 43rd in the women’s 10m air rifle event on Sunday, July 28. Although Luna did not advance to the final, her journey from fleeing her homeland to competing on the world stage is a remarkable testament to her perseverance. 

Dominic Lobalu, who resides in Switzerland, came within seconds of securing a podium finish in the men’s 5,000-meter final on Saturday, August 10th. The 25-year-old has previously achieved significant milestones, including gold in the 10,000 meters and bronze in the 5,000 meters at the European Championships. These successes earned him a spot on the Refugee Olympic Team. After placing 34th in his first race on August 7th with a time of 14:15.49, Dominic delivered an impressive performance on Saturday, finishing just shy of the podium in fourth place. As he approached the finish line, Dominic briefly moved into third position, only to have Grant Fisher of the U.S. snatch the bronze with a time of 13:15.13. Dominic crossed the line in 13:15.27, securing fourth place. Despite missing out on a medal, Dominic has earned widespread admiration for his determination and drive. 

Swiss-based, Sudanese-born runner Musa Suliman took part in his second race at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Thursday, August 8th. Competing in the men's 800m repechage, he finished eighth in his heat with a time of 1:50.11, which unfortunately was not enough to advance to the semifinals. Musa's journey to this point has been remarkable. After fleeing war-torn Sudan and seeking refuge in Egypt, he and his family relocated to Bern in 2021. Initially, Musa joined a football club, but it was running that eventually became his passion. Despite the challenges of working through much of his teenage years to support his family, he found a new sense of purpose in athletics. He shared with us his story and the importance of sport for him before the games.  

Tadesse Abraham, originally from Eritrea, developed a passion for running after walking up to 20 kilometres to school each day. In 2004, he came to Switzerland as a refugee and used sports to aid his integration. His running career took off, ultimately leading him to represent his Switzerland at the Paris Olympic Games. We got the chance to interview him a few months back to know more about his journey and what he has to say to refugees and the Swiss population today. Tadesse recently completed his final major race, finishing in 38th place. He achieved his dream of competing in the Olympics; this marked his third and last games. However, Paris wasn't his last marathon—he plans to race in Valencia on December 1st. Now, Tadesse is eager to spend more time with his family, especially his son, while taking a step back from his intense training. 

After an eventful few weeks and amazing accomplishments from the 2024 Refugee Olympic Team, Switzerland for UNHCR congratulates all the athletes for their remarkable performances and extends its gratitude to the IOC, supporters, and partners who cheered for the team. 

Attention now shifts to the Refugee Paralympic Team, which includes eight athletes and one guide runner, as they aim for more medals when the Paralympic Games begin on August 28.

All pictures from © IOC Media