South Sudanese Runner Secures Third Olympic Spot After Journey from Refugee Camp to Global Stage
Kakuma, 13 February 2026
Anjelina Nadai Lohalith’s selection for her third consecutive Olympic Games represents an extraordinary achievement for the 28-year-old 1500m runner who fled South Sudan as a child. Discovered whilst living in Kakuma refugee camp, Lohalith has competed in both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 as part of the Refugee Olympic Team. Her latest selection on 4 February 2026 sparked celebrations at her training base in Ngong, Kenya, where she prepares alongside fellow displaced athletes. Driven by what she calls ‘family and opportunity’, Lohalith hopes her visibility will help reunite her with relatives whilst challenging perceptions about refugees through sporting excellence and serving as an ambassador for peace.
Training Camp Celebrations Mark Historic Achievement
The announcement of Lohalith’s selection on Tuesday, 4 February 2026, transformed her training base in Ngong into a scene of jubilation [2]. Fellow athletes and coaches gathered to celebrate with music and dance, recognising the significance of her achievement [8]. The 28-year-old runner’s selection marks her third consecutive Olympic appearance, following her groundbreaking participation in Rio 2016 as part of the inaugural Refugee Olympic Team and her subsequent appearance at Tokyo 2020 [1][2][8]. Training at the Ngong facility near Nairobi alongside other athletes with similar backgrounds, Lohalith has developed both the physical and mental strength required for elite competition [8].
From Kakuma Camp to Olympic Excellence
Lohalith’s journey began when she fled the conflict in South Sudan as a young child, eventually finding refuge in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp [1][2]. It was within this challenging environment that her exceptional talent for long-distance running was first identified, setting her on a path that would eventually lead to Olympic recognition [1][2]. The discovery of athletic talent within refugee communities demonstrates how sporting excellence can emerge from the most difficult circumstances, with Kakuma serving as an unexpected breeding ground for world-class athletes [GPT]. Her story parallels that of other refugee athletes, including Rose Nathike Lokonyen, who also fled South Sudan and found refuge in Kakuma before representing the Refugee Olympic Team [7].
The Power of Sport in Refugee Communities
The impact of sport on refugee communities extends far beyond individual achievement, as highlighted by fellow Olympic athlete Rose Nathike Lokonyen’s observation that ‘sport has that power to change a life, especially for refugees’ [7]. Sport provides crucial mental health benefits by reducing stress and boosting endorphins, whilst offering safe spaces for social interaction and the formation of support networks [7]. These programmes help refugees regain self-esteem, learn discipline, and find outlets for self-expression in environments where such opportunities are often limited [7]. Lohalith’s success underscores the need for continued investment in both elite and grassroots sports programmes for displaced populations [7].
Dual Motivation Drives Olympic Ambitions
Lohalith’s preparation for her upcoming Olympic appearance is fuelled by what she describes as ‘family and opportunity’ - two pillars that drive her relentless determination [1][2][8]. Her hope extends beyond personal achievement, as she seeks to use her Olympic platform to potentially reunite with family members from whom she remains separated [2]. The runner aims to transcend the label of ‘refugee’ and establish recognition as a world-class athlete and ambassador for peace [2][8]. Her participation in the Refugee Olympic Team, an initiative designed for social inclusion and empowerment of athletes without national representation, positions her as a beacon of hope for millions of displaced persons worldwide [2][8]. The upcoming competition represents not merely another race, but an opportunity to challenge global perceptions about refugees whilst inspiring others facing similar circumstances [GPT].