** Freddy Mayala: A course between shadow and light, sport as refuge **
The decision of the national court of asylum law (CNDA) to grant refugee status to Freddy Mayala, a 24 -year -old Congolese swimmer, is not only a personal victory for the athlete. It also raises essential questions on the living conditions of athletes in certain countries, as well as on the possibility of swimming as a means of escape and emancipation.
### Double reality of sport
Freddy Mayala saw his Olympic dream tainted by threats and brutality in his country of origin, Congo-Brazzaville. While the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are expected to celebrate sporting excellence, they have enabled athletes to highlight much darker realities. Through his experience, Mayala transparently exposes the paradoxes that exist in the world of sport: on the one hand, that of euphoria and celebrations, and on the other, that of the struggle for fundamental rights. This phenomenon is not unique to a single country; Athletes from various backgrounds had to flee similar situations. This duality underlines a disturbing fact: sports performance can sometimes cost more than the simple pressure of the competition.
### Sport and migration: an increasing reality
The case of Freddy Mayala is part of an increasingly visible trend within the international sports movement. According to a study of the sports policies analysis center, the number of athletes asking for asylum after international competitions would have quintuplet in the last decade. This forced emigration is often linked to oppressive political contexts, but also to sports systems which, in some countries, hamper the freedom of expression of athletes. Around the world, there are former champions, such as swimmers of the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African countries, who are looking for a new life in countries where they can flourish without fear.
The CNDA’s decision allowed Mayala to regain dignity, security, and the need to focus on its sporting development. It is now part of a network, often benevolent, of sports associations and local initiatives which promote the integration of refugees. This support allowed Mayala to train freely in Vitré, thus strengthening its journey towards a potential career in swimming.
### Fight for freedom of expression in sport
Beyond the security and professional aspect, Freddy Mayala’s situation questions the right to freedom of expression in sport. In many countries, such as Congo-Brazzaville, denouncing worrying training conditions is synonymous with sanction. Fear of reprisals, threats or physical violence is a major obstacle to the development of athletes. This opens up a debate on the responsibility of international sports federations. What do they do to protect their athletes in a global environment where dialogue can be transformed into danger?
In this context, the hope expressed by Freddy Mayala to join the Olympic refugee team for the Los Angeles Games in 2028 emerges as a symbol of hope and resilience. The creation of this Olympic team in 2016 has opened a new path, offering a platform for athletes who, like Mayala, experienced adversity because of their nationality or their political situation.
### Beyond medals: a commitment to human rights
Freddy Mayala is now a standard-bearer, not only for hopes of sporting performance, but also for human dignity. Sport then becomes a powerful awareness -raising tool: each medal, each victory, each challenge overcome, can raise awareness and mobilize around questions of asylum and refugee rights.
The story of Freddy Mayala reminds us of how solidarity and reception can change lives, but also the need for a collective commitment to guarantee that each athlete can exercise his art in a framework where respect for human rights is inalienable. Perhaps, through these individual struggles, will emerge a broader movement for sports justice which transcends borders and promotes a more worthy human condition.
In conclusion, while Freddy Mayala is preparing for a professional career carried out by support and freedom, his career remains a symbol of courage, hope and a struggle for recognition. This is a call for action for all of us: it is time to reassess our commitment to sport and the deep role that it plays in the lives of athletes around the world.