For the second time in Olympic history, a team of refugees will be able to participate in the international competition. They come from 11 different countries and compete in 13 sports, four of which are refugees in Kenya. After participating in the Olympic Games in Rio in athletics, they will run again in Tokyo. At 800 and 1500 meters. Pending departure for Japan, they train together at the heights of Ngong, 25 kilometers from the Kenyan capital.
From our correspondent in Nairobi,Albane Thirouard
The day rises just above the Ngong fitness center. But it is already time for the athletes to train. Anjelina Nadai Lohalith gets ready to run 1500 meters in Tokyo. Originally from South Sudan, she arrived at Kakuma refugee camp as a child, escaped the civil war and left her family. It was not until 2015 that she really started athletics.
After participating in a race that made it possible for her to join the gym founded by the former marathon Tegla Loroupe. A selection that took him to Rio in 2016. “I had never heard of the Olympic Games before. Even running, I had no idea you could run professionally. I really realized what happened when our team entered the Maracaña Stadium in Rio. I even cried about it. We were so happy … It gave us hope and we saw that the doors opened for all refugees. ”
Catch up
Anjelina and the approximately 20 refugees in Ngong are now training together with Kenyan athletes. An education that is disturbed by the sanitary measures taken in Kenya. The center remained closed for several months. And the refugees had to return to Kakuma. To compensate for lost time, coach Sarah Kiwanukane does not let anything go because she is aiming big for Tokyo. “They are fantastic athletes. The four are all very disciplined. They are in their time, do what is required of them. And they are very motivated, they even go the extra mile. I have high hopes for them. ”
Medal or no medal in Tokyo, for James Nyang Chiengjiek, a refugee from South Sudan and a runner in the 800 meters, the stakes are higher. “It’s not just about sports. It sends a message to the world that refugees are people and have talent. We were forced out of our homes because of situations like the war in southern Sudan, not by elections. It is also a message to our leaders that they are participating in a real peace effort. ”
To convey this message, refugee athletes will enter Tokyo Stadium on July 23 under the colors of the five-ring flag.
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