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PARIS — For the seven athletes competing for Haiti, participating in the Paris Games has always been about more than just winning gold. For athletes like swimmer Alexandre Grand'Pierre, it's about sending a message of hope to a nation reeling from gang violence and political turmoil. The symbol of pride for many in Haiti, the athletes hope to change the narrative around the Caribbean country, long portrayed as a victim. It's also in part about reclaiming their history from France, the former colonizer that bankrupted Haiti for more than a century. But the path to France hasn't been easy.
