Layla Almasri probably won’t use her voice during competition at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

But Almasri expects her presence will speak volumes.

The former Pine Creek High School and University of Colorado Colorado Springs track and field star will represent the Palestinian people during Friday’s women’s 800-meter run at Stade de France at 11:45 a.m. (MT).

“This is about representation, and you’re given such a unique platform as an athlete,” Almasri said. “Whether that’s bringing hope to young girls and showing them they can overcome and be at the Olympics one day or showing the world that regardless of what (the Palestinian people are) going through, we’re here to compete. But we’re also here with a message of resilience. We can show up and compete despite what’s going on.”

Almasri was born and raised in Colorado Springs, but her parents both grew up in Nablus in the Palestinian territories, about 240 miles from the Gaza Strip.

Despite her parents’ move to Colorado, they never let Almasri forget about home and constantly instilled their culture in their daughter.

Almasri said they also reminded her of the struggles Palestinians have endured “for the past 75-plus years.”

Almasri hoped to uplift Palestinians through her athletic endeavors and said if she ever qualified for the Olympics, she’d represent her parents’ homeland.

Two years ago, Almasri received that opportunity.

“I did a race in Palestine in 2022 just for fun when I was visiting family,” Almasri said. “They had some of the Olympic Committee at the race and they spoke to me afterward. That was when I knew representing Palestine at the Olympics was possible.”

Corey Kubatzky, UCCS women’s assistant track and field coach, said Almasri’s compassion toward others reflects her character when she competed for the UCCS track and field team.

Kubatzky, who traveled to Paris to watch Almasri compete, said her teammates nominated her for captain multiple years and, in 2022 as a redshirt junior, Almasri won UCCS’ McLaughlin Award.

According to the UCCS athletics webpage, the McLaughlin Award goes to student-athletes who have, “excelled in their sport, achieved in the classroom, have been a leader on their team and served their communities.”

“I’m proud of her for using the abilities she has to speak up about the things she’s passionate about,” Kubatzky said. “When we want to have an impact on something, sometimes it’s tricky to find how our talents fit into that endeavor. For her to be able to use the talents she has is special. Not everyone gets to do that.”

Now, Almasri has the chance to be “the voice of the voiceless” and a beacon of hope for Palestinian athletes and youth.

Almasri recognizes the significance of her opportunity in Paris.

“This is such a unique opportunity and I’m grateful for the chance to have it,” Almasri said. “I have other women from Palestine who I look up to, as well. And to be that role model and show them the way is really special.”