Since 2019, Lebanon has been mired in an economic and political crisis that has impoverished over 75 percent of the population. The crisis has made it impossible for athletes to focus and train solely on sports. But they say this has made even getting to China for the Winter Games all the more special. Priyanka Navani reports from Beirut.

For Manon Ouaiss, one of three Lebanese athletes headed to the Beijing Winter Olympics, she can never shake from her memory the huge Beirut Port blast of August 2020 that leveled parts of the city including her home.

MANON OUAISS Alpine skier, Lebanese Olympic Team "On the day of the blast, I was having a coffee not far from the port, and on my way home I was suddenly propelled forward, and I will never forget this day, the nightmare scenario around me. I couldn't reach my family, and when I got home, it didn't look like a home anymore."

The Beirut Port blast aggravated an existing political and economic crisis long simmering in Lebanon. Her teammate, Cesar Arnouk, says this has added to their woes in training.

CESAR ARNOUK Alpine skier, Lebanese Olympic Team "It's definitely been tougher for me, for my season, especially because of the economic crisis. One thing that is really important for an athlete is not to worry about all these logistics, about all the finances, but in our case it's not that simple because we don't get much support, we're not really funded."

With the local currency in a free fall, most are struggling to buy basic necessities. Arnouk is fortunate to have parents who are doing what they can to help him realize his Olympic dream and bring pride to Lebanon.

JAWDAT AND NICOLE ARNOUK Cesar's parents "Every time we ran into trouble in the last few years, we were fighting to overcome difficulties, then you get this crisis where the currency has devalued over 90 percent, and what cost us this much now costs us this much. Lebanese parents have much more responsibilities than parents from other countries in the world."

The athletes' enthusiasm has not waned despite the struggles. The third member of the Lebanese delegation is 19-year-old Elie Tawk. He only began skiing competitively in 2019. He's now the second Lebanese athlete to participate in cross-country skiing at the Olympics.

ELIE TAWK Cross-country skier, Lebanese Olympic Team "Skiing is my lifestyle. I cannot resist one day without skiing, without making sport. It's my passion. It's my one and only priority now."

The three athletes who will represent Lebanon in the Beijing Winter Olympics are just days away from the biggest event of their lives.

"It's naturally every athlete's dream. I am so honored and proud of myself to represent Lebanon and wear the Lebanese flag and represent my country during this crisis."

MANON OUAISS Alpine skier, Lebanese Olympic Team "Skiing for me is a mental outlet after what happened in Lebanon. I hope that Lebanon participating at the Olympics will bring some positive vibe, a glimpse of hope maybe, I really hope so."

PRIYANKA NAVANI Beirut "Elie, Cesar, and Manon are not expecting a big Olympic send-off, as they know all too well that the country has other priorities right now. However, they say that is all the more reason to wear the Lebanese flag with pride, because it represents the tenacious spirit of a country that keeps on fighting through the worst of tragedies. Priyanka Navani for CGTN in Beirut."