Ready to Make History, Gabriyesos Aims to Send a Global Message of Hope

Global - Ekhbary News Agency

Ready to Make History, Gabriyesos Aims to Send a Global Message of Hope

Tachlowini Gabriyesos, a runner who has very recently been selected to represent the Refugee Olympic Team at the Tokyo 2020 Games, is a restless presence on screen as our Zoom call begins. His energy is palpable, a testament to the extraordinary circumstances that have led him to this historic moment. Just days ago, Gabriyesos, a refugee from Eritrea, received the official news of his inclusion in the Refugee Olympic Team (ROT), an initiative by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to highlight the global refugee crisis and provide a platform for athletes displaced by conflict.

For Gabriyesos, competing in the Olympics is more than just a personal athletic achievement; it's an opportunity with a broader purpose. He views this platform as a vital channel to send a message of hope to millions around the world enduring similar circumstances. "I want to show the world that refugees are strong people, and we have dreams and ambitions just like anyone else," Gabriyesos shared during our interview, his eyes alight with determination. "This is not just about sport; it's a message. A message of peace, a message of hope, a message to all refugees out there that they are not alone and that they can achieve their dreams."

Gabriyesos's path to Tokyo has been fraught with challenges. He fled Eritrea in 2012, seeking a better life away from political unrest. After an arduous journey through Sudan, he arrived in Israel, where he faced the harsh realities of living as an undocumented refugee. Despite these adversities, his passion for running, a sport he began in his youth in Eritrea, never waned. He resumed training rigorously, often running through the streets of Tel Aviv, dreaming of a return to competitive athletics.

His breakthrough came when he was discovered by a coach working with a non-profit organization supporting refugees. The coach recognized Gabriyesos's raw talent and unwavering determination. Under structured training, Gabriyesos steadily improved his performance. His selection for the Refugee Olympic Team is the culmination of this dedication and hard work.

The Refugee Olympic Team, first established for the Rio 2016 Games, represents a unique humanitarian and athletic endeavor. It comprises athletes from various nations, united by a common goal: to compete at the highest level of sport while raising awareness about the plight of refugees globally. These athletes compete under the Olympic flag, granting them a unified identity as Olympians, irrespective of their countries of origin.

For Gabriyesos, representing the ROT signifies more than just wearing a team kit. It's a chance to challenge negative stereotypes surrounding refugees. "Many people see refugees only as victims," he explained. "But we are not. We are survivors, we are fighters, and we are people with the capacity to make a difference. I want to show the world that we are capable of excelling, not just in sports, but in any field we choose."

As Gabriyesos steps onto the athletics track in Tokyo, he will not be running alone. He will carry with him the hopes and aspirations of millions who have been forced to leave their homes. Every stride he takes will be a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and its capacity to overcome adversity. It's an opportunity not only to achieve his athletic dream but also to leave a lasting mark on Olympic history as a symbol of hope, resilience, and humanity.

Gabriyesos's participation in the Games serves as a powerful reminder that sport can be a force for good, capable of uniting people and transcending divisions. His story is an open invitation for the world to see refugees not as numbers or problems, but as individuals with dreams, capabilities, and limitless potential. He is ready to make history, not just as an athlete, but as a messenger of hope in a world that desperately needs it.

Ekhbary News Agency