The Gstaad Guy sits down with Yusra Mardini, Olympic swimmer, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and the real-life inspiration behind The Swimmers, to explore one of the most extraordinary journeys of courage, resilience, and reinvention. From her childhood in Damascus and the moment war changed everything, to the harrowing escape across the Aegean Sea and rebuilding her life in Germany, Yusra reflects on the experiences that shaped her both as an athlete and as a storyteller.
The conversation dives into the power of swimming as an anchor through chaos, her unlikely path to the Olympic Games, and the global impact of having her story portrayed on screen. Yusra opens up about public speaking, refugee advocacy, and how sharing her truth became a way to give hope to millions. She also discusses her creative future in filmmaking, the weight of expectations, and the importance of mental health after trauma. A moving look at courage, identity, and what it means to keep dreaming, even when the world tells you to stop.
Filmed in the One&Only One Za’abeel Royal Suite.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro ✨
(01:15) Life on the Road 🌍✈️
(01:54) USC Film Path 🎓🎥
(02:50) Power of Storytelling ✏️❤️
(03:32) Love for Swimming 🏊♀️💙
(05:22) The Swimmers Film 🎬😭
(06:52) Born in Damascus 🇸🇾🏠
(07:50) War Begins 💥😔
(08:13) Missile in Pool 🚨🌊
(08:46) Losing Home 🏚️💔
(10:37) Decision to Flee 🧭😢
(12:00) Smuggler Journey ⚠️🚌
(13:10) Reaching Lesvos 🇬🇷🌊
(14:40) Sea Crossing 🚤😱
(15:11) Arriving in Germany 🇩🇪✨
(17:32) Olympic Dream 🏅🔥
(22:12) Olympic Selection 🎉🏊♀️
(24:28) Opening Ceremony 🎆🌍
(25:36) Global Impact 🌐💫
(27:05) Public Speaking 🎙️🌟
(31:12) Refugee Advocacy 🤝🏻🌿
(34:58) Directing Dreams 🎬🌙
(42:28) Mental Health 🧠💛
(49:15) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨
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