Palestinian swimmer Yazan Al Bawwab's brief Olympic appearance, lasting under a minute, was significant in itself. The 24-year-old, based in Dubai, gestured towards the Palestinian flag on his chest as he described what it meant to represent a homeland devoid of basic amenities like food and water, let alone a swimming pool.

"France does not recognize Palestine. Yet here I am with a flag on my chest," he stated after placing third in a 100-meter backstroke heat, marking his sole participation in the Paris Games. "I'm extremely pleased... to display my flag, to have a moment dedicated to Palestine, a lane solely for Palestine. I believe this conveys my message of peace." He aims to show the world that Palestinians are capable of participating in sports just like everyone else.

France declared in May that the conditions were not suitable for officially recognizing a Palestinian state, emphasizing that any decision must go beyond mere symbolism. Local health authorities report that over 39,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Israel's military action was a response to a Hamas-led attack in southern Israel in October, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages, according to Israeli records.

Al Bawwab, an aerospace engineer born in Saudi Arabia, educated in Canada and Britain, and currently residing in Dubai where he manages a furniture business, also has Italian heritage. His father, once a homeless refugee in Italy, later rebuilt his life. "I look at people like my dad who started from nothing," he reflected. "I never complain in the pool, remembering those in Gaza, those in Palestine who truly suffer. Waking up at 5am is no issue for me."

The two-time Olympian discussed the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. "Many people don't want us here. They don't want to see the flag. They don't want to hear my country's name," he lamented. "They want me to disappear. They want me to leave. But I'm here." He recounted hostile reactions from some individuals towards the Palestinian team in other competitions, urging people to imagine if it were their own country.

Al Bawwab shared the tragic stories of an Asian Games roommate, a team coach, killed in Gaza, and a young supporter who had also perished. A runner friend had posted images of himself bandaged, attempting to eat rice. "I prefer not to comment too much on that. But understand this is the reality for a Palestinian swimmer, a Palestinian athlete. We all have stories," he said.

He also spoke of Gaza's 100kg weightlifter Mohammad Hamada, who lost 20kg due to lack of food and failed to qualify. "We're trying to educate people about swimming... but there's a war going on," he noted. "What can you do during a war? You can't engage in dialogue."