Sifan Hassan, a double Olympic champion and a significant contender for the Paris Games, began her athletic journey as an asylum-seeker from Ethiopia at the Eindhoven athletics club over a decade ago. Ad Peeters, president of the club, recalls Hassan's accidental entry into competitive running, where her talent was immediately apparent despite her initial lack of commitment. Hassan's early life was marked by hardship; she left her home in Adama, Ethiopia, at age 15 for the Netherlands, where she struggled emotionally in a youth asylum center. Her inspirational story embodies resilience and determination, with her motto, 'with hardship will be ease,' reflecting her journey. As she prepares to compete in multiple events at international championships, Hassan continues to inspire young athletes training at the same facility that nurtured her talent. Her remarkable transition from a shy refugee to a global athletics sensation underscores her extraordinary achievements and the support she received along the way.