Roya Karimi, a 30-year-old Afghan refugee in Norway, has ascended from being a child bride at age 14 to one of Europe’s elite bodybuilders, earning a place in the World Bodybuilding Championships this week after a series of impressive victories in 2025. Her journey symbolizes a dramatic transformation from oppression to empowerment, showcasing her resilience and determination.
On stage, Roya presents a striking figure in a crystal-studded bikini, her muscles finely sculpted from intense training—a stark contrast to her past as a teenage mother in Afghanistan. Just 15 years ago, she was trapped in a child marriage, but in 2011, she risked everything to flee with her mother and young son, seeking refuge in Norway to escape restrictive social norms. This bold move marked the beginning of her quest for freedom and self-determination.
In Norway, Roya faced the daunting task of adapting to a new culture. She learned Norwegian, pursued education, and became a nurse, working in Oslo while balancing family responsibilities. This period of struggle eventually led to stability, setting the stage for her entry into bodybuilding, which became a pivotal part of her life and a means to reclaim her identity.
Bodybuilding offered Roya a path to rebuild her self-confidence and personal identity. Through gym visits, she not only improved physically but also met her second husband, Kamal Jalaluddin, an experienced bodybuilder whose unwavering support inspired her to turn professional. His encouragement helped her break taboos and pursue competitive bodybuilding, fostering a partnership that fueled her ambitions.
Eighteen months ago, Roya made the bold decision to leave nursing and focus full-time on bodybuilding. This shift brought challenges, including vitriolic comments and death threats on social media from those opposed to her defying cultural expectations. However, Roya remains undeterred, attributing her success to years of perseverance and hard work rather than mere appearance, and she uses these experiences to strengthen her resolve.
Her dedication paid off in 2025 with gold medals in the Wellness category—emphasizing natural fitness and healthy appearance—at the Stoperiet Open, Norway Classic, and European championships. These wins secured her spot in the world championships, highlighting her rapid ascent in the sport and earning recognition across Europe for her athletic prowess.
Roya now uses her platform to advocate for women in Afghanistan, where Taliban rule has intensified restrictions on education, employment, and mobility. As she prepares for the world stage in Barcelona, she aims to make history and inspire hope, representing the potential for change and freedom for Afghan girls and women through her achievements and message of empowerment.
