World in focus: In the running

Last year, Nakang competed in the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, where she finished eighth.

Jepkosgei, who is Nakang's coach, said that refugee athletes face numerous challenges compared to their peers because of the mental and financial constraints of being away from home.

Young female refugees are also discouraged from engaging in sports due to cultural barriers, Jepkosgei said.

"There is a notion that when girls engage in sports, they will grow muscles and will be unable to have children," Jepkosgei said.

Nakang is expected to be the best-performing refugee athlete at the upcoming Olympics due to her dedication to training, Jepkosgei said.

Xinhua