Both performances were abysmal, but the sheer presence of these two trailblazers put a spotlight on a nation rifled with conflict, destituteness, and disorder.
Shortly after the ceremony, many Somali-Londoners extended their hospitality to the visiting athletes. Warm words of encouragement were exchanged, delicate tea sets wrapped in ancient british newspapers were passed around, and a roaming cameraman from Universal TV was catching the entire exchange.
On an oddly warm and still night in West London, the roaming Cameraman approached Zamzam and asked for her thoughts regarding present - day Somalis inside and outside the motherland.
Zamzam nodded, and asked if she could share an original poem. The result is below.
