“We’re not here to compete for ourselves or represent ourselves,” said Tarazi, who was born and raised in Chicago. “This is more than that.”

The 24-year-old is one of eight Palestinian athletes set to compete in Paris, along with fellow swimmer Yazan al Bawwab, taekwondo fighter Omar Ismail and judoka Fares Badawi. Boxer Waseem Abu Sal, runners Layla Almasri and Mohammed Dwedar will also take part, while Jorge Antonio Salhe will compete in the skeet shooting.