![She stepped foot in the world of athletics only four years ago [Getty Images]](/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/e2558a8e1d7e4897985397022806a207_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Born in Albania, Dedaj moved to Italy on a boat as she kept losing her sight. Now, she is a shining star in Rio.
![Kelmendi was not allowed to compete for Kosovo at London 2012 [Getty Images]](/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/df12d7bfb75b40ed8a8770c312e9d651_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
The IOC recognised Kosovo as an independent state and has allowed athletes to represent it at Rio 2016.
![Begaj became the first female weightlifter from the country to win gold [Rozafa Kelmendi/Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/2014113012730705580_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180)
Albanian weightlifter Begaj won gold at World C’ships but her story tells a tale of struggle.