ユスラ・マルディニさんのインスタグラム写真 - (ユスラ・マルディニInstagram)「Swimming has been my home away from home for the past 8 years, but the time has come to step away and move on to the next chapter. Swimming has given me so much, it has given me stability in my toughest times, it has given me strength through the life lessons that I have learnt, it taught me determination and discipline, and most importantly it has given me friendships that I will cherish for life. Swimming has been a home to me when I didn't have a home, to this day I am thankful that swimming has now given me a way to help refugees around the world. When I was nine years old, I had a dream of competing in the Olympics so I practiced nonstop and was determined that one day I would succeed. My desire was distant from reality in 2011 as my country was at war, but I never stopped dreaming because I was and still am so passionate about swimming. My sister and I decided to leave Syria in order to find safety in Germany in 2015. It may sound crazy but my first priority upon arriving in Germany was to find a swimming pool so I could resume my training. A few months later, the introduction of the Refugee Olympic Athletes Team allowed me to compete as a member of the first-ever Olympic Refugee Team, fulfilling my dream and forever changing my life. A very special thank you to my father, who taught me how to swim and was my coach for 13 years, he had faith in me and was by my side at every turn. Mama, you are the most thoughtful person I know. I appreciate the countless hours you spent waiting for me to finish practice so you could make me a sandwich and dry my hair afterwards. I want to express my gratitude to all the coaches, physiotherapists, supporters, and everyone else who has helped me along the way and has stuck by me through good and bad times.」6月26日 23時15分