\n<\/p>\n
Yet, six weeks before the Paris Games, the IOC declined to allow Lobalu to compete for Switzerland.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is not currently a Swiss national, which the Olympic Charter would require,” an IOC statement said.<\/p>\n
However, the day after Lobalu became European champion, the IOC invited him to compete in the 5,000m in the French capital for the Refugee Olympic Team.<\/p>\n
A long-time admirer of Olympic athletics, Lobalu believes Wednesday’s heat at the Stade de France will be more difficult than the final.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the heat we have the slowest guys,” he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have never had international races, so it’s easier for you to fall down because they don’t follow the line.<\/p>\n
“If you try to approach them, if you want to move out, they don’t allow you so they just block.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Thursday, two days before the men’s 5,000m final, Swiss sportswear brand On will release a short film documenting Lobalu\u2019s journey entitled ‘To Chase a Dream’. <\/p>\n
“I enjoyed participating in the production and I hope it inspires other refugee athletes to never give up on their dreams of becoming the best.\u201c<\/p>\n
And he already has his sights on the next chapter \u2013 standing on top of the podium with a gold medal in Paris.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy not?” he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m ready for anything.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n