#AGAINSTALLODDS
The most important thing
in my life is swimming.
Then speaking and doing things
to help refugees.
Competing at the Olympics
has been a dream of mine
since I was a young girl!
Global sports and innovation brand Under Armour adds the 19-year old swimmer Yusra Mardini to their roster of international athletes. "We are inspired by her drive and accomplishments, both as a person and as an athlete. The way in which she is dealing with life's challenges, both past and present, shows a tremendous amount of character", said Chris Bate, Managing Director, Europe, Under Armour.
Under Armour recently launched the Unlike Any campaign that pays tribute to women by shining a spotlight on their remarkable talents and stories of WILL, and elevating them to a level beyond comparison. The campaign features a roster of prolific athletes, including American Ballet theatre® principal ballerina Misty Copeland, long distance runner and Harlem Run Crew founder Alison Désir, world champion sprinter Natasha Hastings, professional stuntwoman Jessie Graff, Chinese taekwondo champion and actress Zoe Zhang and world champion alpine skier Lindsey Vonn. Yusra Mardini also forms part of this prolific UA team of incredible women.
We only live once,
so make it worth it!
I want to change
people’s perceptions.
Yusra is available for a limited number of speaking appearances, on panels and at large events to share her story, inform, motivate and inspire as an advocate for the refugee cause.
In 2017, Yusra gave speeches at several high-level events, from the Google Zeitgeist conference to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where she was the youngest ever speaker.
Please see the MEDIA for more about Yusra’s speaking appearances.
Yusra as talk guest in the TV Show "Mensch Gottschalk" in Berlin
Yusra competed for the first ever Refugee Olympic Team at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and fulfilled her childhood dream.
Yusra met President Obama and delivered a speech at the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York.
The PEOPLE Magazine together with Queen Rania of Jordan awarded Yusra as one of 25 women changing the world.
The TIME Magazine awarded Yusra as one of 30 of most influential teens.
Yusra met the Pope and delivered the „Millenium-Bambi Prize“ to him.
Yusra received the international Bambi Prize in the category „Silent Hero“.
Yusra attended the World Economic Forum in Davos as the youngest participant ever and delivered 5 speeches and met people like Sheryl Sandberg, Hamdi Ulukaya, will.i.am, Michael Johnson, Muhammad Yunus, etc.
Yusra received the Laureus Award in the category „Sporting Inspiration“ with the Refugee Olympic Team.
Yusra was awarded as Righteous among the Nations (Senza Confini Assiciation / Italy).
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, appointment Yusra as youngest Goodwill Ambassador.
Yusra participated at the 46th International Meeting Swann Oberson in Geneva.
Yusra received the Voices of Courage Award (WRC – Women’s Refugee Commission / New York).
Yusra talked at the Google "Zeitgeist" event in London with Zeinab Badawi.
Yusra delivered a speech for Islamic Relief UK at their Welcoming Ramandan Dinner in London.
Yusra returned after one year again to the TV Show "Mensch Gottschalk" in Berlin.
Yusra participated in the show "Future Masters" with 1000 children/teenagers in the Arena del Sole Theater in Bologna.
Yusra was invited to speak at TINCON, a new festival for digital youth culture, in Berlin.
Yusra participated at the FINA World Aquatics Championships in Budapest and competed in the 100m butterfly and the 200m freestyle.
Yusra went on a mission to Tokyo to raise awareness as UNHCR GWA about the refugee topic as well as to speak as an Olympic Athlete about the next Olympic Games incl. meetings with the Foreign Minister of Japan, the Minister in charge of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the Governor of Tokyo, the President of the Executive Board of the Tokyo Organising Committee, the artist MIYAVI, etc.
The sports goods manufacturer Under Armour appointed Yusra as new Under Armour Testimonial.
