The European champion over 10,000 metres repeatedly stresses that he wants to be the first refugee to win an Olympic medal. In Paris, the 25-year-old will have the chance to do so.
Dominic Lobalu says he will carry Switzerland in his heart in Paris. However, his new home will be missing from his jersey. Lobalu, 25 years old, has decided to accept the invitation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and take part in the Summer Games for the Olympic refugee team.
The IOC issued the invitation two weeks ago, one day after Lobalu won the gold medal in the 10,000 metres at the European Championships in Rome – for Switzerland. Unlike the world athletics association World Athletics, the IOC did not allow Lobalu to compete under the Swiss flag.
The decision to start for the refugee team came after negotiations and agreements with the IOC. Lobalu will be looked after in Paris by his trainer and mentor Markus Hagmann and can also count on the support of the Swiss Athletics staff.
Lobalu will compete in the 5000 metres in Paris; in Rome he won the bronze medal in this distance.