Ignite the Passion: Rebeca Andrade and Ouname Mhotsha—Young Athletes Draw On Personal Experiences to Create a Better World

"Safe sport means a lot to me," says Andrade. "I have done therapy with my psychologist since I was 13. I know that it makes so much difference to my sport and my life. I learned how to deal with pressure, pain and expectations. I believe that athletes, fans, and sponsors must understand that athletes can do exceptional things but in the end, they are humans just like everyone else."

As the two athletes look to the future, Andrade is focused on achieving her best in the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, which will run July 26 through August 11. She notes, "I'm so happy to be competing in Paris because I will be with all the girls on my team. In Tokyo, it was just me."

Mhotsha wants to continue to develop the Thanya Monana Projects, her IOC Young Leaders project, and have it run by young people. Her ambition can help inspire young athletes everywhere.

"I think at every stage in life, a young person has something in their mind that can benefit the world," she explains. "So, I want to be able to empower them, give them a voice while they're still young, and know that just because they come from an underserved community or community that doesn't have a lot of opportunities, it doesn't mean that they're not powerful, or they can't do anything for themselves or their families, communities and world at large."