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.