Supported by the International Judo Federation for many years, having participated in many events of the World Judo Tour, the six athletes were participating this morning in their second Olympic Games as a mixed team.
Since the beginning of their Parisian adventure, we have followed them, from their entry into the village to their participation in the individual tournament. However, this mixed team event was undoubtedly the highlight of their Olympic week because it was at this precise moment that they were able to fully express the spirit of unity that drives them and makes them feel part of a global family.
All have experienced the harshness of war and conflicts. All had to flee their home countries. All have found refuge in their new host countries and all, without exception, have found in judo a means of emancipation and fulfilment.
Dr Lisa Allan, IJF Secretary General, has been involved in the history of this team for a long time, "It is simply a great story, quite fantastic actually, to see these athletes participate in the Olympic Games. Today what they represent is not only a sporting performance. It is much more than that and the IJF is deeply involved through our Judo for Peace and Judo for Children programmes to make sure that we give a chance to everyone.
There are all these refugee camps, where thousands of young people can practise judo. Our athletes of the refugee team are in a way the ambassadors of all this."
Larisa Kiss, Head of IJF International Relations, who has been at the heart of the operation of the refugee team, said, "I was extremely happy to see the refugee team here and I am happy for their experience. To be on the Olympic tatami is something special. Their work has paid off and they can inspire a lot of people, a lot of refugees who are watching the Olympics. I was impressed by the warm welcome of the public who appreciate their presence. Through them, we are showing that we are a united judo family regardless of where we are coming from."
Marine Stroobants, working for the General Secretariat, has been involved a lot in organising the team, "It's real pride to see them all here again for their second Olympic Games. Three years ago in Tokyo, it was a bit special because of the global pandemic but here in Paris, we had a full Games. In recent years, the supervision has evolved a lot with the arrival of a coach and a physiotherapist for example. The investment of the IJF has been significant. We have seen the evolution compared to the Tokyo team. It's really positive. It's not uncommon to see some of the refugee athletes go through several rounds in international competitions now. The sporting level has really improved. I think we can be proud to see judo at such a level within the Olympic team."
The Olympic adventure is coming to an end for the refugee team. For three years they have experienced unforgettable moments that will remain engraved in their memory and in that of all those they inspire and will continue to inspire across the planet.