Syrian refugee Yusra Mardini wins swimming heat at Rio Olympics
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 06/08/16 8:13pm
Yusra Mardini, a teenager who braved a Mediterranean crossing in a leaky dinghy fleeing war-torn Syria, won her 100m butterfly heat in Rio.
Her time though was just 41st fastest, so she did not qualify for the semi-finals.
Less than a year ago Mardini found herself swimming for her life when the crowded dinghy headed for the Greek island of Lesbos suffered engine failure.
She and her sister jumped into the water and used a rope to tow the boat to safety.
Mardini said it was a thrill to line-up against the world's best.
"Everything was amazing. It was the only thing I ever wanted was to compete in the Olympics," said the 18-year-old, who is representing the first-ever Olympic refugee team.
"I had a good feeling in the water so I'm happy for that."
"I've only been back swimming for two years so we're only now getting back to my levels of before. But I'm pleased," added Mardini, who has settled in Germany with her family.
"It's an incredible feeling and I'm happy to see all the great swimmers here," she said. "Competing with all these great champions is exciting."
