BEARING no team, no flag or no national anthem, 10 determined athletes emerged to a huge reception when they were introduced to the world during the opening ceremony of the Rio Olympics.

They are the refugee team of 2016.

Each athlete, one girl as young as 13, has been through unimaginable tragedies but competing under the Olympic flag, they have the opportunity to send a worldwide message of hope and persistence.

In March, the International Olympic Committe came up with a plan, creating a £1.5million training fund and shortlisting dozens of refugee athletes for potential selection for the games.

The final team includes 10 athletes competing in three sports.

They were offered a home in the heart of the Olympic village amongst some of the most famous athletes in the world and access to top training facilities.

Five of the refugees are from South Sudan, two fled Syria, two left Congo and one is from Ethiopia.

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One of the most remarkable tales is of Syrian swimmer, Yusra Mardini.

Like thousands of refugees, Mardini was fleeing her own country heading across the Mediterranean. In a crammed dinghy, the motor stopped and threatened to capsize.

As one of two people on board who could swim, she leaped into the sea and swam for three gruelling miles dragging 20 refugees to safety.

And she has already created history in Rio by winning her opening heat of the 100m butterfly, just over a second faster than her competitors.

Another athlete, Popole Misenga who will compete in Judo, had seen his mother murdered at the age of six before hiding in a rainforest.

Whether the refugee team come first or last, Rio will be their opportunity to prove that they are mentally tougher than any terrorists.

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