From Refugee Camp to Olympic Glory: Perina Lokure Nakang's Journey

Perina Lokure Nakang, a 21-year-old South Sudanese runner, transitions from 9-mile runs near her Kenyan refugee camp to competing in the Paris Olympics. Supported by former refugee Olympians and UNHCR, the expanding Olympic refugee team symbolizes inclusion and aims to inspire more refugees to participate in global sports.

Perina Lokure Nakang first began running 9 miles near her Kenyan refugee camp; now, the 21-year-old South Sudanese athlete competes in the Paris Olympics. Among 37 athletes on the refugee team, she's a symbol of hope, pushing to enable more refugees to join the Games.

'I told myself if I continue running this, it is going to change my life,' Nakang said. The team, supported by former refugee Olympians and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, represents inclusion and equality for displaced people worldwide. Born at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the refugee team has now expanded to dozens of athletes from 11 countries.

As the Paris Olympics spotlight diversity and inclusion amid global migration, refugee athletes like Nakang reclaim their dreams. French authorities have faced criticism for relocating homeless migrant camps in Paris. However, former refugee Olympians see the Olympics as a vital platform to humanize refugees and advocate for their rights.