Palestinian-American swimmer Valerie Tarazi is set to make waves at the upcoming Paris Olympics, drawing inspiration from the iconic Michael Phelps, who famously claimed eight gold medals in Beijing in 2008. “That was the moment that made me want to be an Olympian,” she recalled as she trained last week.
For Tarazi, this Olympic moment represents more than just personal achievement; it is also a profound act of commemoration amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives over the past nine months. “It’s me honouring them,” she expressed, highlighting the urgency of her participation during such a tragic period for her homeland.
As a member of the vast Palestinian diaspora and a descendant of one of Gaza’s oldest Christian families, Tarazi will compete in the 200m individual medley next Friday, embodying her unique heritage while showcasing her athletic prowess.
In the face of adversity, Tarazi has voiced the emotional toll that the conflict in Gaza inflicts on athletes within the Palestinian community. Reflecting on the loss of four family members in an airstrike, she acknowledged the devastating impact of the rising death toll, now nearing 40,000. “This is our friends, our family, our teammates or national team members,” she stated, emphasizing the bonds that unify her with those suffering back home.
Recognized by the International Olympic Committee since 1995, Palestine holds a complex position within global sporting contexts, with ongoing political tensions affecting representation. Despite her rigorous training and the sacrifices it requires, Tarazi remains keenly aware of the privilege she holds in being able to compete in such a prestigious event. “My little bit of pain is absolutely nothing compared to what they have to go through every single day,” she remarked, drawing attention to the challenges faced by her fellow Palestinians.
Meanwhile, fellow Palestinian athlete Tamer Qaoud grappled with the tragic realities of war preventing him from pursuing his Olympic dreams. With his home in Gaza destroyed and his family displaced, Qaoud expressed his longing to compete. “Unfortunately, due to the war and circumstances, we couldn’t leave Gaza,” he lamented.
Having previously represented Palestine at the Arab Games and the Asian Games, Qaoud’s aspirations have been crushed by the escalating conflict. Despite his best moments, including his first experience racing on a proper track, he now faces the grim reality that his time may never come unless he can escape the chaos surrounding him.
As both Tarazi and Qaoud strive for excellence in the face of adversity, another athlete, Yazan al-Bawwab, joins them in representing Palestine. Al-Bawwab proudly embodies his identity, emphasizing the lack of infrastructure for swimming within Palestine. “We don’t have a pool in Palestine,” he stated, underscoring the systemic challenges athletes face.
Despite the political obstacles—France does not recognize Palestine as a country—al-Bawwab proudly declared, “I’m here, raising the flag.” His participation serves as a powerful testament to resilience and hope for a brighter future, forging ahead even amidst the ongoing struggles in Gaza.
