One refugee's journey to the Olympics
After losing his family in Congo's civil war, Popole Misenga found purpose in judo
Popole Misenga near his home in one the favelas, or slums, in Rio.
(REUTERS/Pilar Olivares)Misenga grew up in the eastern part of the DRC, one of the areas worst affected by the devastating 1998-2003 civil war that left more than 5 million dead, including hi
Misenga practices in Rio. With the help of a charity, Misenga has daily judo classes and cross-training just like Brazilian athletes preparing for the Olympics.
(AP Photo/Felipe Dana)Misenga became a professional judoka and though the sport helped him find purpose after the war, he was reportedly brutalized and belittled by his coaches while violence
Misenga's friend stitches a sponsor's badge on his judogi on April 14.
(YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images)
Misenga trains at the Reacao Institute on June 3.
(REUTERS/Pilar Olivares)
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(YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images)
Misenga runs near his home in a Rio slum on June 3.
(REUTERS/Pilar Olivares)
Misenga and his DRC teammate Yolande Bukasa react during the new conference announcing they had both qualified for the Olympic refugee team.
(REUTERS/Pilar Olivares)
Misenga and his one-year-old son, Elias, in his home on June 3.
(REUTERS/Pilar Olivares)
Misenga kisses his partner Fabiana before going to train on April 14.
(YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images)
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(YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP/Getty Images)
