Inspiring Refugee Track and Field Athlete Exposes Life-Changing Impact of IOC Scholarship and the Crucial Role of Sports in Overcoming the Scars of War

The world of track and field and sports witnesses several athletes with their own unique battles and struggles. The backstories of every athlete fuel them to the greatness they go forward and achieve, but only with the right support. Reiterating this fact, a Syrian athlete recently revealed how the support offered by the IOC immensely helped his journey.

Mohammad Amin Alsalami is a Syrian athlete who recently participated in the World Athletics Championship in Budapest. The long and triple jumper who represents the Refugee Olympic Team has come a long way from his war-torn nation. In a recent interview, Alsalami revealed how the Olympics helped him continue playing sports with their benevolent scholarship program. In fact, he also said that the aid helped him overcome his scars from war.

The unexpected miracle in the track and field athlete’s life

Mohammad Alsalami is a 29-year-old athlete who fled from Syria and its conflict to take refuge in Germany. After eight long years since that moment, the track and field athlete finds himself in a bright spot for the first time. The long and triple jumper received an athletic scholarship by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last year in December. Speaking to the Olympics.com, the 29-year-old told how the helping hand extended by the IOC changed his life.

According to Alsalami, “[Before] I had to work really hard to finance my life and support myself. Thanks to the IOC support I can now focus more on training and my preparation for Paris.” The long and triple jumper also mentioned that sports is very important for him. He mentioned, “Practicing sport helps me massively. It distracts me, it gives me a different perspective and it creates new pictures in my head compared to what I experienced in Syria.” While he is currently receiving the help of the IOC, the track and field athlete knows he needs to make it count.

Alsalami aims to showcase his prowess to everyone on the global stage and reveal the true capabilities of refugee athletes. The 29-year-old dreams of achieving that by reaching the upcoming 2024 Olympics. In fact, he aims to break past the eight-meter long jump to qualify for Paris.

Alsalami’s mission to leave an indelible mark 

Mohammad Alsalami carries several scars from his past that forced him into a life of hardships. However, he also identifies with his fellow refugee sportspersons and wishes to represent them. Alsalami noted, “I want to show that refugees are like normal athletes, that we can also deliver great performances… And that motivates me on my road to becoming a world-class athlete.” The 29-year-old has high aims for himself and wishes to jump straight into the Olympics.

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“I am hoping to break the 8m barrier there and reach the Olympic final. I want to show what refugee athletes can do,” revealed Alsalami. The track and field athlete is already making a lot of progress. He recently finished 33rd at the World Athletics Championship held in Budapest. Now that the IOC is backing him up, Alsalami is bound to reach new heights in his sport. Will he be able to realize his Olympic dream and qualify for Paris?

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