Olympic athletics: Dominic Lobalu aiming to make history for Refugee Team

Yet, six weeks before the Paris Games, the IOC declined to allow Lobalu to compete for Switzerland.

“He is not currently a Swiss national, which the Olympic Charter would require,” an IOC statement said.

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.

A long-time admirer of Olympic athletics, Lobalu believes Wednesday’s heat at the Stade de France will be more difficult than the final.

“For the heat we have the slowest guys,” he explained.

“They have never had international races, so it’s easier for you to fall down because they don’t follow the line.

“If you try to approach them, if you want to move out, they don’t allow you so they just block.”

On Thursday, two days before the men’s 5,000m final, Swiss sportswear brand On will release a short film documenting Lobalu’s journey entitled ‘To Chase a Dream’.

“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.“

And he already has his sights on the next chapter – standing on top of the podium with a gold medal in Paris.

“Why not?” he said.

“I’m ready for anything.”