The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics have just begun, showcasing talent, events, and stories from around the world. Among the most moving are those of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, which includes athletes with refugee status. They represent the 100 million displaced individuals from across the world, lacking access to elite sports facilities and coaching, some with their Olympic dreams fractured.
A similar story is that of Isha, a gifted swimmer from Sierra Leone who now lives in Halifax and accesses our services. Isha has competed and represented her country in international competitions such as the 14th and 15th FINA World Championships, the 22nd Birmingham Commonwealth Games (2022), the 7th African CANA Zone II Swimming Championships in Ghana (2020), and the 12th African Games in Rabat, Morocco (2019), among others.
This is her journey of strength, talent and resilience.
Isha photographed in her early competitive swimming career
Overcoming Fear and Finding Passion
'I wasn’t a water person; I was so afraid when growing up. But it was when I moved to Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. I attended the Church. One of the older ladies, who was my friend, told me I had the body of a swimmer and that I should start swimming. She was the one who motivated me to start, and I’m grateful that she helped me to overcome my fear.'
'I was around 17 when I first entered into the water. It only took me one year to start to beat the boys and represent the country at a youth level. My first competitive games were the Commonwealth Youth Games (2017), in The Bahamas. I learnt and was inspired by the other swimmers.'
'My proudest moment was at the African Games in Morocco, in 2019. We won the medal for the most improved African country. Only two athletes represented Sierra Leone on the swimming team, me and Joshua Wyse*. We also achieved the same award at the Africa Swimming Championships in Ghana (7th Africa CANA Zone II 2020)'
*Joshua has since competed at the 2020 Olympics and is now at Paris 2024 in the Men’s 50m Freestyle on Thursday 1 August
Olympic Inspirations
'My role model is Alia Atkinson, she's a Jamaican swimmer. She inspired me to compete in backstroke and breaststroke category. The first time I met her was in China during the 2018 World Championships. I first saw her after she won the gold medal in the 50m breaststroke. She came back to the dining room and I was like, 'OH MY!! You inspire me. The way you swim breaststroke pushes me.' We also met in Abu Dhabi in 2021.'
Navigating Challenges in the UK
'There have been challenges. My original plan was to compete in the UK. St Augustine’s have done a great job at helping me, trying to apply at different pools to see if anyone would want to take me in to train. But all said no; their focus is on children. I’m now doing the lifeguard course at Brighouse and that’s my focus. It's a big achievement, thanks to the St Augustine's centre for getting me here.'
'I know it's very unlikely that I’ll be able to swim competitively again, but if I’m able to pass on my skills and do a coaching course, then that’s my goal. I want to set up a future academy, coach kids, push them, motivate them, teach them, help them to do more with their swimming.'
A Message of Hope
'It’s not just about swimming. If you want to do something, do it. Don’t let anyone tell you can’t. Keep telling yourself, "yes I can, yes I can." Push yourself, put your heart into it. The best motivation can only come from yourself. If you push yourself, then you can achieve anything in life.'
'People seeking asylum and refugees have talent. We are not just empty vessels. Find a place that will welcome you, that will support you, where you belong. Don’t be afraid to share your problems and allow people to help you.'
'The Olympics has always been my big dream, it’s the top of everything you can compete in. I sadly didn’t make it. But that hasn’t stopped me. I hope to be an instructor and teach the next generation.'
Isha’s story is a testament to the people we support at St Augustine's Centre; we meet so many extraordinary individuals, brimming with skills and hope. Isha's journey also highlights both the barriers that people seeking asylum and refugees face, and their strength and perseverance. It’s a reminder that everyone deserves the opportunity to live in safety and pursue their dreams, beyond the confinement of borders.
Thanks to Staying Well, Active Calderdale, and Brighouse Pool and Fitness Centre for your continued support.
Join Us in Supporting People Seeking Sanctuary
At our charity, we help people fleeing war and persecution rebuild their lives with dignity. Everyone deserves to live in safety. To support us, consider donating or participating in our All Together 24 Challenge for 2024. Click the link to join or to find out more.
