Palestinian Olympic swimming team trains without pool

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Experts think the USA, Russia, Germany, and China will place at the top of the medal standings again in London. Their Olympic squads will have huge delegations and always put lots of money into their teams. But the true spirit of the Games can often be found in the smaller teams, like the one from Palestine which will send just 5 athletes to London.

The members of the Palestinian Olympic team can be counted on one hand, only five will participate under their flag, with two of the most prominent being swimmers Sabine Hazboune and Ahmed Jibril.

Because of a lack of resources in their country, they have been training outside Palestinian territories. Currently they are practicing in Barcelona to achieve their Olympic dreams.

Ahmed Gebrel, swimmer of Palestinian Olympic Team, said, "We are a small team yes, but hopefully after the Olympics we will have more people involved in sports. I hope the five of us will be up to the task and represent Palestine in the best possible way. For me we are really good and we really deserve to be there and God willing we will do ok."

Sabine Hazboum, swimmer of Palestinian Olympic Team, said, "I ask all people who will watch me at the Olympics to wish me good luck and I urge everyone who has a dream in Palestine to go after their dreams and try to fulfill them. Whatever desire they have drawing, sports, art or anything they like, because we were all born with gifts and we have to try to use them."

Despite the lack of facilities at home both athletes are training hard and are not using that as an excuse.

Ahmed Gebrel, swimmer of Palestinian Olympic Team, said, "With training and concentration I can say I am fully prepared for the Olympics and I hope the results will prove my words."

Sabine Hazboum, swimmer of Palestinian Olympic Team, said, "I really feel that this is the first event I have prepared very well, I am fully concentrated. I trained more and I hope I will achieve a good result."

Palestine has a short Olympic history, first participating at the 1996 Games in Atlanta. They are still seeking their first Olympic medal.

Palestinian Olympic swimming team: Ahmed Gebrel(L) and Sabine Hazboum(R)