Meet The Palestinian Olympic Team Competing Against All Odds

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Israel’s genocide has killed more than 300 Palestinian athletes and almost completely destroyed all sporting facilities in Gaza.

Meet the eight members of the Palestinian Olympic team competing against all odds.

Valerie Tarazi, Swimming

"I swim to compete, they swim to survive."

Layla Al-Masri, Running

"While the world’s eyes are on the screen watching the Olympics, we want to use our unique platform as athletes to keep eyes on what’s going on in Palestine. I run for Palestine to represent something bigger than myself, the resilience of the Palestinian people, to bring voices to the voiceless."

Omar Yaser Ismail, Taekwondo

"I promise to give my all and do whatever it takes to raise my country’s flag on the podium. Together, we will show the world the strength and spirit of our nation."

Waseem Abu Sal, Boxing

"I’m the first Palestinian boxer to qualify to the Olympics. Sport is my way of resistance, my way to tell the whole world that I am Palestinian, free and resilient."

Mohammed Dwedar, Running

"The International Court of Justice found Israel guilty of apartheid and declared its military occupation and settlements illegal. We support the demands of the Palestinian Olympic Committee [to ban Israel]."

Yazan Al Bawwab, Swimming

"I feel like it’s me, I feel I am Palestine. So if Palestine’s hurt, I am hurt and especially that I know some people don’t want the word Palestine to be said anymore. It’s difficult. We are also humans. We also want to play sports."

Fares Badawi, Judo; Jorge Salhe, Shooting

This year, eight athletes are competing for Palestine at the Paris Olympics – the most in Palestine's history.

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