Rio 2016: They fled their homes. Can these refugee athletes play in the Olympics?

    By Pete Kowalczyk, for CNN

    Updated 1426 GMT (2226 HKT) November 10, 2015

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    William Kopati, 22, was a high-jumper and long-jumper in Bangui. That was before he was forced to flee in late March 2013, when militants attacked the house where he was living.
    Photos: Refugee camp Olympians
    William Kopati, 22, was a high-jumper and long-jumper in Bangui. That was before he was forced to flee in late March 2013, when militants attacked the house where he was living.
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    Since 2006, Kopati has competed several times in the national championships for high jump, long jump and 400-meter run -- winning the gold medal for high-jump in 2009.<br /><br />"In 2009, I won the gold medal in long jump in the national championships. I cleared 1.7 meters. I entered my last competition in 2012, before I was forced to flee."
    Photos: Refugee camp Olympians
    Since 2006, Kopati has competed several times in the national championships for high jump, long jump and 400-meter run -- winning the gold medal for high-jump in 2009.

    "In 2009, I won the gold medal in long jump in the national championships. I cleared 1.7 meters. I entered my last competition in 2012, before I was forced to flee."
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