The Palestinian Olympic athletes competing in Paris 2024 | BBC News

Summary

The script highlights the struggles of the Palestinian Olympic team amidst the war in Gaza. Despite the International Olympic Committee's recognition since 1995, the team, which includes athletes, trainers, and support staff, has faced immense challenges, including the loss of team members. Tama, an athlete whose home was destroyed and coach killed, continues to train, dreaming of competing with the world's best. Valerie Tarazi, a swimmer from a historic Christian family in Gaza, has made it to Paris for her first Olympics. The team's headquarters in Ramala face numerous obstacles, yet their ambition and willpower remain strong, with the hope of representing their country and inspiring those enduring hardships in Gaza.

Takeaways

• 🏅 The International Olympic Committee recognized Palestine as a state in 1995.
• 🔥 Over 9 months of war in Gaza has affected the Olympic aspirations of many Palestinians.
• 🏃 Tama, a Palestinian athlete, has had to flee his home twice and lost his coach to an airstrike, but continues to train.
• 🌟 Tama dreams of competing with world-class athletes like the current 1500m world champion.
• 👟 Tama had never worn spikes for running until a year ago but has already represented Palestine at the Asian Games.
• 🏊‍♀️ Valerie Tarazi, a Palestinian swimmer, made it to Paris for her first Olympics despite being born in America and having relatives killed in the war.
• 💪 Valerie emphasizes that her struggles are minor compared to the daily hardships faced by women and children in Gaza.
• 🤔 The war has created numerous challenges for the Palestinian team, from training to travel.
• 📍 The team's headquarters are in Ramala in the West Bank, where they face the ongoing tragedy of the war.
• 🥗 Dalala, the chief nutritionist, highlights the setback caused by the war but also the team's determination and willpower.
• 🏟️ Gaza's only athletics track is currently a place of refuge and has been unused for training for months.

Q & A

Since when has the International Olympic Committee recognized Palestine as a state?

The International Olympic Committee has recognized Palestine as a state since 1995.

What challenges did the Palestinian athletes face during the war in Gaza?

The Palestinian athletes faced numerous challenges, including the loss of team members, destruction of their homes, and the inability to train due to the war.

How has the war impacted the aspirations of some Palestinians to represent their people in sports?

The war has thwarted the ambitions of some Palestinians who dreamt of representing their people, as it has led to the death of athletes, trainers, and support staff.

What is the significance of Tama's Olympic Village routine despite the destruction of his home and the death of his coach?

Tama's routine in the Olympic Village signifies his resilience and determination to keep his dreams alive and continue training despite the personal losses and hardships caused by the war.

Who is Yob inab Britson, and why was Tama inspired by him?

Yob inab Britson is the current world champion in the 1500 M. Tama was inspired by him and wanted to compete alongside him to experience what it's like to be among the world's best athletes.

What is the background of Valerie tarazi, the Palestinian swimmer who made it to Paris for the Olympics?

Valerie tarazi is a Palestinian swimmer born and raised in America, coming from one of the oldest Christian families in Gaza. She is part of the large Palestinian diaspora.

How has the war personally affected Valerie tarazi?

The war has affected Valerie tarazi on a personal level as four of her relatives were killed early in the conflict.

What does Valerie believe about her struggle compared to the struggles faced by people in Gaza?

Valerie believes that her struggle is nothing compared to what the women and children in Gaza face every day, as they deal with life-threatening situations and scarcity of basic needs.

Where are the team's headquarters located, and what is the role of Dalala?

The team's headquarters are located in the West Bank, in the city of Ramala. Dalala is the chief nutritionist, responsible for training, travel, and dealing with the challenges posed by the war.

How has the war impacted the team's ambition, plan, and willpower according to Dalala?

According to Dalala, the war has been a setback, but it has not affected the team's ambition, plan, and willpower. Instead, it has made them more determined.

What is the current state of the only Athletics track in Gaza, and how does it reflect the impact of the war?

The only Athletics track in Gaza is a war-ravaged place of refuge, and it has been months since anyone trained there, reflecting the severe impact of the war on sports and daily life.