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From forced marriage to bodybuilding success | DW Reporter
April 25, 2026
Posted 2 hours ago by
Forced into marriage as a child in Afghanistan, Roya Karimi has escaped violence and oppression and built a new life in Norway. She fled her home country at the age of 17 with her mother and young son. Today, she's one of Europe's top bodybuilders — and a symbol of freedom, strength and self-determination for many Afghan women. Once she'd arrived in Norway, Karimi set about rebuilding her life.
Bodybuilding didn't just present her with the prospect of a career in sports; it also helped her overcome the physical and mental trauma sustained in the marriage she was forced into as a child. With discipline and perseverance, she battled her way to a European bodybuilding title. Now her sights are on the international stage: At the Dubai Muscle Show, Roya Karimi aims to prove she's among the world's best. At the same time, she hopes her story will encourage women to pursue their dreams — despite all odds. 00:00 Forced Marriage in Afghanistan 00:30 Violence and the Decision to Flee 01:09 Freedom in Norway 01:36 Forced Marriage and Total Control 02:36 Escape to Europe with Her Son 03:27 Education and a New Beginning 04:22 Bodybuilding as a Way Out 05:16 The Big Goal: World Championship 06:45 Family, Criticism, and Strength 09:57 The Big Competition in Dubai 11:43 A Victory for Afghan Women #dwnews #womenbodybuilder #afghanistan For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/ Follow DW on social media: ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwnews ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/ ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1
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