Phelps hails refugee team

Ten athletes displaced by conflicts across the world are competing at the Games, with Syrian pair Rami Anis and Yusra Mardini competing in swimming.

Refugee Olympic swimmer Yusra Mardini won her heat in the women's 100m butterfly.

The most decorated Olympian of all time Michael Phelps has hailed the presence of the refugee team at Rio 2016.

Ten athletes displaced by conflicts across the world are competing at the Games, with Syrian pair Rami Anis and Yusra Mardini competing in swimming.

Mardini, 18, won her heat in the women's 100m butterfly, while Anis was handed a standing ovation at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre. Both have set their sights on Tokyo 2020 and Phelps says their presence is representative of the Olympic spirit.

"I think it's great just having anybody who is able to compete in these Games," he said. 

"This is something that's very special, that no matter what's going on in the world we can all come together as one, in one Village, competing in the same events. 

"I think that's something that you don't get to see anywhere else."