In brief
Roya Karimi's journey from being a child bride in Afghanistan to becoming a top bodybuilder in Europe is a testament to resilience. Fleeing to Norway, she rebuilt her life and identity before entering the world of bodybuilding. Now, as she prepares for the World Bodybuilding Championships, she aims to inspire women, especially those still facing restrictions in her homeland.
The woman standing on stage glistens in a crystal-studded bikini. Her glowing, tanned skin shows off each of her well-defined muscle lines, the result of hours of weight training in the gym. Roya Karimi's perfectly-applied make-up and highlighted blonde hair wouldn't look out of place in the finals of Miss Universe. It is hard to imagine that just 15 years ago, she was a teenage mother in Afghanistan, married off as a child bride, before she escaped to her new life. Now aged 30, she is one of Europe's top bodybuilders, and will be competing in the World Bodybuilding Championships this week. Her rise has been meteoric – she only took up the sport professionally less than two years ago. None of this looked likely when Roya fled Afghanistan with her mother and young son, seeking refuge in Norway where she started a new life. In Norway, she faced a completely different environment and had to adapt to a more liberal culture. She studied nursing, balancing work and family while laying the groundwork for her future in bodybuilding, which would become a new outlet for personal empowerment. Roya's introduction to bodybuilding redefined her identity and provided the support of her husband, fellow bodybuilder Kamal Jalaluddin. Together, they represent a partnership that breaks traditional molds. Eighteen months ago, she made the bold decision to pursue bodybuilding instead of returning to nursing. Despite the backlash and criticism she faces online, she remains undeterred, using her platform to inspire women in Afghanistan who yearn for independence and empowerment. Roya has achieved significant milestones such as winning gold at both the Stoperiet Open and the Norway Classic competitions, paving her way to compete at the world level. As she prepares for the championships in Barcelona, she aims to honor the women behind her journey, asserting, 'I feel mentally strong and fully ready to give my all.' Her story is not just a personal triumph; it's a powerful message for Afghan women everywhere.
