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Loroupe, who has won more than 30 marathons and broke barriers for women in Africa in the sport of running, is also the founder of The Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation. The foundation was established in 2003 and aims to bring peace through sports and development in the greater Horn of Africa region.

“Sports people can be used by the community … to bring the government together,” she said. “There are some elements of people can do more … People should come together and realize we have a calling.”

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The Olympics are a great opportunity for athletes to show they can make a difference, she said. No matter what country you’re from or what your background, athletes are provided a global stage during these events to encourage peace throughout the world.

“When it comes to the Olympics, everybody wants to be an ambassador,” Loroupe said.

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