For the first time, organizers of the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro are inviting athletes who can't compete under their own flags. Among them is an African judoist now training in Rio. Popole Misenga's dojo in Rio is different from what he is used to, but the training is something he knows by heart. Misenga was 8 when he started practicing judo in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Civil war was ravaging his homeland, and he wanted a means of self-defense. "In Africa there were no judo schools. For me, the dojo was a small opening in the forest, under a tree," Misenga says. Misenga's perseverance paid off. In 2013, he arrived in Rio to participate in the World Judo Championship. But after the competition, he made a difficult decision -- one that could mean leaving his homeland and sport behind. He applied for asylum in Brazil. Misenga began working at a barbershop in a slum where many Congolese refugees live. And he started focusing on his new life in Rio. Then, 2 years ago he found an opportunity to return to judo. A non-governmental organization was offering training to youth who cannot afford the sport. It's where he met the man who changed his life. Geraldo Bernardes is a legend in Brazil, coaching many world champions. "Misenga is physically strong. He has a warrior spirit. I gave him a uniform right away so he could get back to judo," Bernardes says. Under the support and direction of Bernardes, Misenga began training again. In March came the news of another opportunity. The International Olympic Committee was welcoming refugee athletes for the first time to compete under the Olympic flag. The team will be made up of 5 to 10 people who cannot represent their own countries at the Games. Forty-three candidates were named, including Yusra Mardini. The Syrian swimmer risked her life crossing the Aegean Sea to Germany to escape the war in her country. And Misenga is also on the list. "I can't believe that a refugee like me could participate in the Olympics. It's like getting my life back," he says. "I really hope I can be a part of the refugee team. Judo is my life. I want victory in my life through judo.". The final team member of refugee athletes won't be announced until next month. "If he is chosen for the Olympics, I will feel very proud," Bernardes says. Athletes like Misenga are already having an impact on the world's biggest sporting event, representing inclusiveness instead of just competitiveness..