The Gstaad Guy Podcast Yusra Mardini: Olympic Swimmer & UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador – Survival, Hope, Storytelling, & the Power of the Human Spirit
Dec 3, 2025
Yusra Mardini, an Olympic swimmer and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, shares her incredible journey from war-torn Syria to the Olympic stage. She recounts her harrowing escape across the Aegean Sea and the challenges of starting anew in Germany. Yusra discusses the life-changing power of swimming, her experiences in the refugee camps, and her advocacy work to inspire hope. She also sheds light on her passion for storytelling, her role in The Swimmers film, and her foundation that promotes education and sports for displaced people.
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Escape From Syria To Germany
- Yusra Mardini recounts fleeing Syria at 17 with her sister and two cousins via Beirut, Istanbul and a dangerous dinghy to Lesbos.
- The trip included three days stranded on an island, overcrowded boats, and a 25-day journey through multiple countries to Germany.
From Refugee Camp To Swimming Club
- On arrival in Germany they were assigned to Berlin and placed in a refugee camp where Yusra and her sister lived in a tent.
- Within weeks an Egyptian translator connected Yusra to a swimming club that changed her path and led to training opportunities.
Becoming The Refugee Olympic Face
- A scholarship and IOC initiative put Yusra on track to become one of ten athletes in the first Refugee Olympic Team for Rio 2016.
- Initially resistant to being labeled a 'refugee', she chose to compete and became the team's public face at 18.