Union Jack flags at the ready: the Olympics open in Rio this Friday, and everyone’s rooting for Team GB.

But as well as cheering on British sportswomen like Nicola Roberts, Beckie Downie and Laura Trott, we’ll also be throwing our support behind another young female athlete: Yusra Mardini.

The 18-year-old Syrian swimmer is representing the Refugee Olympic Team, a group of 10 ‘stateless’ athletes who’ll make their first appearance in Friday's opening ceremony.

And while no one makes it to the Olympics without a major dose of grit, talent and determination, it’s safe to say that Mardini has faced more challenges than most. Last year, the teenager made the harrowing journey from her war-ravaged home city of Damascus to Berlin, via Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary and Austria – and helped to save the lives of 19 other refugees in the process.

Why this Syrian teenager is one of the most inspiring Olympic athletes of Rio 2016