Nfally Njie found his Italian family at a time when hundreds of young Gambians were at risk of being rounded up and deported.

The 16-year-old, who now lives with his new parents, is expecting his adoption certificate soon. There is also a strong likelihood that he would be granted Italian citizenship.

Every year, dozens of young Gambians make the long and risky journey to Italy. According to an Italian newspaper, Nfally spent six months on the way. He arrived on the Italian coast with a boat overflowing with migrants. 

Today, the young migrant is a famous athlete in San Cesario di Lecce. He already won two gold medals in locally organized marathons.