Yusra Mardini is an 18-year-old swimmer competing in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Like most Olympic athletes, she began training at a very young age and has worked her entire life to compete in the Olympics. Unlike other Olympic athletes, Yusra had to use her athletic prowess to flee Syria just one year ago.

Wanting to leave the worn-torn country behind, Yusra and sister Sarah had to swim and guide their group of 18 other migrants to safety, and their long journey was nothing short of strenuous. According to The Guardian, 30 minutes into their trip out of Turkey, their boat began to take on water and was threatening to capsize. Yusra, along with her sister and another passenger, guided the boat to shore. Fast forward to June when Yusra was announced as a part of the refugee team, along with nine other athletes from Syria, Sudan, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Yusra's story proves that with enough bravery and determination, anyone can compete in the Olympics. Her and her team members have been through extreme hardship but are still competing among the world's best athletes.

What do you think of Yusra's bold and brave act? Did you watch her compete?

Photo credit: StoryPick