The Olympian who escaped Syria by swimming the Aegean Sea

Like the tens of thousands of people crossing the Channel on small boats, it’s an experience shared by countless others who’ve risked their lives to make the dangerous journey to safety on European shores.

The Syrian sisters Yousra and Sara Mardini, professional swimmers back in Damascus, found themselves on a sinking dinghy in the Mediterranean Sea. Not only did they make it to shore, saving everyone else on board, but Yousra made it all the way to the Olympics.

Their story has been turned into a film. The Swimmers is in select UK cinemas now and on Netflix globally from November 23rd.