In August 2015, she and her younger sister Yusra took the same hazardous route to Lesvos themselves, as refugees fleeing the war in their native Syria.
The women, who are trained elite swimmers, captivated audiences around the world, first for their rescue of their 18 fellow passengers after their flimsy boat’s engine failed, and again when 18-year-old Yusra made history when she competed in Rio this year as part of the first-ever Refugee Olympic Team.
This autumn, 21-year-old Sarah returned to Lesvos as a volunteer lifeguard with Emergency Response Centre International (ERCI), a Greek, non-profit humanitarian organization that assists refugees in distress as they attempt to reach the island.
Visit UNHCR
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