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Yazan Al Bawwab, a 24-year-old Palestinian swimmer, made a powerful statement at the Paris Games by representing his homeland, despite its lack of basic amenities like food and water. His sole Olympic race, the 100 meters backstroke, lasted less than a minute, but his presence in the water carried a profound message.Al Bawwab, who pointed to the Palestinian flag on his chest after the race, emphasized the significance of representing a homeland that struggles for recognition. "France does not recognize Palestine. Yet here I am with a flag on my chest," he said. "I'm very, very happy... to raise my flag, to have time just for Palestine, a lane just for Palestine. I think this is my message of peace."Al Bawwab's journey to the Olympics was not without challenges. Born in Saudi Arabia to a homeless refugee father, he faced adversity from a young age. However, he drew inspiration from his father's resilience and the struggles of Palestinians in Gaza. "I look at people like my dad who came from nothing," he said. "I'm never complaining in the pool, I remember people in Gaza, people in Palestine that suffer properly."Despite the hostility he has faced from some quarters, Al Bawwab remains determined to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians. "A lot of people don't want us to be here. They don't want to see the flag. They don't want to hear my country's name," he said. "They don't want me to exist. They want me to leave. But I'm here."Al Bawwab's story highlights the challenges faced by Palestinian athletes, who often train in difficult conditions and risk their lives to compete. He mentioned the tragic loss of his Asian Games roommate and a young fan in Gaza, as well as the struggles of weightlifter Mohammad Hamada, who lost weight due to food shortages."We're trying to educate people about how to swim and teach... but there's a war going on," Al Bawwab said. "What are you supposed to do when there's a war? You can't talk to people."Al Bawwab's Olympic journey may have been brief, but his message of peace and resilience resonated far beyond the pool. He represented not only Palestine but also the countless athletes who overcome adversity to pursue their dreams.

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony witnessed a poignant display of resistance and defiance as athletes from Palestine and Afghanistan took to the Parade of Nations. Waseem Abu Sal, a 20-year-old boxer from Palestine, wore a shirt emblazoned with a chilling image of bombs falling on a child playing football. This powerful statement highlighted the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Israeli forces have killed at least 350 athletes since last October.The Palestine Olympic Committee has appealed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA to ban Israel for its actions in Gaza. However, the IOC's stance on sanctions against Russia for its aggression in Ukraine appears to be inconsistent.Afghanistan's female athletes also defied the Taliban's oppressive regime by participating in the Olympics. Road cyclists Fariba and Yulduz Hashimi have faced threats and violence for daring to ride bicycles. They fled the country after the Taliban takeover and are now rebuilding their lives in Italy.The Olympics have a long history of serving as a platform for protest. In 1906, Irishman Peter O'Connor raised the Irish flag on the podium, refusing to be identified as British. In 1968, American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a powerful act of defiance against racial segregation.While the IOC has softened its stance on protest, demonstrations during matches or medal ceremonies are still prohibited. However, the Games venue itself has seen protests from French civil liberties groups and environmental organizations.The Palestinian athletes in Paris are determined to make a statement. They flashed peace signs and wore keffiyehs, symbols of their national identity. Waseem, who trained for the Olympics during the war, will return to his conflict-ridden country after the Games.The opening ceremony also featured a rendition of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Imagine," a poignant reminder of the need for peace. As the performance concluded, the words "We stand and call for peace" appeared on the screen.

Palestinian Athletes Embody Resistance Amidst Gaza ConflictAs the Paris Olympics approach, eight Palestinian athletes will carry the weight of their nation's struggle on their shoulders. Their participation symbolizes the resilience and determination of a people facing adversity.The athletes' journey to Paris has been marked by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Since October 2022, Hamas attacks on Israel have escalated tensions, resulting in the deaths of thousands of civilians. The conflict has also devastated Gaza's infrastructure, including hospitals, making it difficult for athletes to train and receive proper medical care.Despite these challenges, the Palestinian athletes have persevered. They have trained tirelessly, determined to represent their country with honor. Their participation in the Olympics is not only a sporting event but also a political statement."You are not just athletes, you are also ... symbols of Palestinian resistance," said Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Palestinian authority minister of state for foreign affairs.The athletes' presence in Paris will serve as a reminder of the ongoing suffering in Gaza. They will use their platform to highlight the human toll of the conflict and advocate for peace."Through this participation, we want to present the suffering of the Palestinian people and the unprecedented killing taking place in Gaza," said Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Olympic committee.The athletes' journey to Paris has been fraught with obstacles. Majed Abu Marahil, a long-distance runner who competed in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, died in June due to kidney failure. Gaza's hospitals, overwhelmed by the conflict, were unable to provide him with adequate treatment.Despite these setbacks, the Palestinian athletes remain undeterred. They are determined to compete with pride and represent their country with dignity."Getting athletes to Paris is already a victory," said Rajoub.The eight athletes will compete in various disciplines, including athletics, swimming, archery, taekwondo, judo, and boxing. One athlete qualified through regular channels, while the others received special invitations.Among them is Valerie Tarazi, a 24-year-old swimmer with US and Palestinian nationality. Tarazi has won titles at the Arab Games and is determined to use her platform to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza."My heart aches for them," she said of the Gaza people. "Being in Paris on behalf of Palestine is a very important thing."The Palestinian athletes' participation in the Paris Olympics is a testament to their resilience and determination. They will carry the hopes and dreams of their nation on their shoulders, inspiring the world with their courage and unwavering spirit.