Yusra Mardini: Across the pool.
After competing in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, being on the other side of the pool will be a different feeling for the Daraya-born former swimmer.
“It's bittersweet, to be honest,” she began.
“I really miss the water and being near the water…but I do miss racing!”
Naturally, devoting all your life to this field, it will take time to take the next step, but while Yusra will miss it, she is grateful to be able to participate in the next cycle of the Olympic Games. I feel the same way.
“I feel very lucky to be competing in my third Olympics, even if I'm not an athlete anymore.
“The Olympics are really special, so I’m lucky to be a part of it in any way.”
And what makes Paris 2024 even more special for many competitors is that it will be the first gender-equal event in history.
The plan, to be announced in 2023, will take another monumental step towards equality in sport.
“I think it’s great to shine a light on women,” says Maldini.
“We worked hard, sweat and tears, and now both men and women have equal opportunities. I'm really looking forward to seeing what our players do.
“In general, I think the Olympics are going to be incredible. After all, it's going to be in Paris, so it's going to be in the city of dreams. I'm really excited.”
But before heading to Europe, Yusra settled at home in California, where she is currently studying film and television broadcasting.
Despite everything she's been through, she remains an ever-present symbol of hope for those in the same place she once was.
Her journey is known around the world, but now it's time for her to share the stories of others.
