- The idea was never to be a swimmer. I had back and leg pain and no medication worked. When I came to the swimming pool and met my trainer Josefin, I could hardly swim a length, says Yahia Mossa.

But swimming eventually became like a newfound love and after eleven months he did his first race. In addition to reducing the pain in his body, he gained a new meaning in life.

Amputated leg

He was 14 when the school he attended was bombed and a wall collapsed over him. The left leg could not be salvaged and he was forced to amputate it.

- I want to show life that I can still, after everything that has crushed me. Because it's not just about getting tired of life, but what you can learn from all the tough things you've been through. You have to keep going, he says.

And the motivation, it comes from the words of his mother, about trying to live as usual again.

- When I lost my leg, my mom said, "You were my strongest son when you had both legs, but you are still my strongest son with just one. Show me what you can do with just one leg and two arms ”. I think about it every day and want to make her proud, ”he says.

Paralympic Games 2020

In August next year, the Paralympic Games will start in Tokyo, Japan. Before that, Yahia is practicing practically every day.

- My life is just about getting there now and I will be there no matter what, says parasite swimmer Yahia.

An obstacle may be that Yahia lacks Swedish citizenship, which is a requirement for him to compete. But at the same time, the International Paralympic Committee is working to create a team of asylum-seeking athletes.