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

    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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    This is the second time Kopati has fled to the DRC, having been a refugee from 2001 to 2003. His dream is to continue his career in athletics, despite the challenges.<br /><br />"I was here in Mole from 2001 to 2003. I attended primary school here and went to high school when I returned to Bangui. I love it so much, but I had to abandon it because of the situation in my country. My first dream is to continue with athletics."
    Photos: Refugee camp Olympians
    This is the second time Kopati has fled to the DRC, having been a refugee from 2001 to 2003. His dream is to continue his career in athletics, despite the challenges.

    "I was here in Mole from 2001 to 2003. I attended primary school here and went to high school when I returned to Bangui. I love it so much, but I had to abandon it because of the situation in my country. My first dream is to continue with athletics."
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    Teddy Gossengha, 23, was once the youngest player on the CAR junior national soccer team, and then played for professional clubs in Bangui -- first Tempete Mocaf, then ASOPT -- before fleeing violence two years ago.
    Photos: Refugee camp Olympians
    Teddy Gossengha, 23, was once the youngest player on the CAR junior national soccer team, and then played for professional clubs in Bangui -- first Tempete Mocaf, then ASOPT -- before fleeing violence two years ago.
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