Sara Mardini was born on July 17, 1995, in Damascus, Syria. From a young age, Sara and her sister Yusra were drawn to the water. They spent countless hours swimming at their local pool, developing a deep love for the sport. Their father, Ezzat, was a swim coach, and their mother, Mervat, a physiotherapist, supported their passion for swimming.
In 2015, Sara's life took a drastic turn when she and Yusra were forced to flee Syria due to the ongoing conflict. The two sisters embarked on a perilous journey, eventually finding themselves in the middle of the Aegean Sea. With no other options, they made the courageous decision to swim to safety, eventually reaching the shores of Germany.
This incredible story of survival and resilience caught the attention of filmmakers, and in 2022, a biographical film titled "The Swimmers" was released on Netflix. The film depicted Sara and Yusra's harrowing journey and the challenges they faced as refugees.
Following their arrival in Germany, Sara and Yusra continued to pursue their love for swimming. They spent their days at a local swim club, honing their skills and dreaming of a better future. However, Sara's swimming career was cut short due to a shoulder injury, forcing her to pivot her focus towards activism.
While advocating for refugees in Lesbos, Greece in 2018, Sara found herself on the wrong side of the law. She was arrested on trumped-up charges, including spying, smuggling, and belonging to a criminal organization. Despite the unjust imprisonment, Sara remained steadfast in her dedication to helping those in need.
Sara is not alone in her journey; she has the unwavering support of her family. Her sister Shaed stands by her side, offering encouragement and strength during challenging times. Together, they navigate the complexities of life as refugees and activists, drawing strength from each other and their shared experiences.
Sara Mardini's story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Despite facing unimaginable hardships, she continues to advocate for those in need, using her voice to shine a light on the plight of refugees around the world. Through her bravery and determination, Sara inspires others to never lose hope, no matter the obstacles they may face.