The IFSC is proud to announce that Afraa Mohammad has been officially approved as the first Olympic Refugee Athlete in the history of Sport Climbing, marking a powerful milestone for the sport and for the global refugee community.

Mohammad will receive support as Olympic Refugee Athlete in preparation for the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028, an initiative supported by the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 

Originally from Syria, Mohammad has already made a mark in international climbing. Recognised for her talent and determination, she became the first recipient of the World Climbing Refugee Athlete Support programme launched by the IFSC. This initiative provides refugee athletes with the opportunity to prepare for and compete in top-level competitions, while also encouraging National Federations to support refugees living in their territories.

Mohammad’s approval as Olympic Refugee Athlete marks the next chapter in her journey as both a climber and an advocate. Her selection is not only a personal victory but also a statement about inclusion, representation, and the transformative power of sport.

IFSC President Marco Scolaris said: “This is the power of sport: at the IFSC we believe we can change the world through climbing, and by welcoming Afraa we see this in action.

“Climbing is inclusive, it welcomes everyone, and creates opportunities for all, also to displaced people. This programme is another show of that togetherness we have as a community. And now we move to the next step.

“I would like to thank IFSC Honorary Member Paola Gigliotti who has been instrumental in this process and shows us that you can give back to the sport even after your official duties are done. Both Afraa and Paola show us the best of climbing.”

IFSC Honorary Member Paola Gigliotti, who represents the IFSC for social programmes, said: “I am truly pleased that Afraa has been officially accepted into the Olympic Refugee Athlete support programme. When you work toward a meaningful cause and receive this kind of recognition, it reinforces the belief that positive change is possible. Each small contribution may seem like a drop in the ocean, but together, they create real impact.”

The IFSC celebrates this historic moment and will continue to support refugee athletes in their journey toward the Olympic Games and beyond.

See Afraa Mohammad's profile on the IOC website