Roya Karimi, an Afghan woman residing in Norway, recently won a gold medal in the 2025 Stoperiet Open fitness competition—an achievement that is not only a personal triumph but also an inspiring and historic moment for Afghan women around the world.
“I competed on April 5 and won the gold medal. It’s an indescribable feeling—the result of months of training, sacrifices, and believing in myself,” Karimi said. She dedicated her victory to the women of Afghanistan. “This competition was very important to me. I wanted to maintain the title I had won previously. My training was intense—strict diets, early mornings, and constant discipline—but it was all worth it.”
The Stoperiet Open 2025 took place on April 5 in the city of Tønsberg, Norway. Though the event is primarily a national competition for Norwegian athletes, international participants are also allowed. This year, competitors from several countries took part. Roya Karimi not only became the first Afghan woman to compete at this level, but also outshone her international rivals to win the gold medal in the fitness category.
Born in Kabul, Karimi has lived in Norway with her husband and son for over 15 years. She has made fitness a fundamental part of her lifestyle:
“Fitness isn’t just physical activity for me—it’s a way of life, a mental sanctuary. Since my early years in Norway, training, yoga, swimming, and running became part of my daily routine.”
Her husband, Kamal Jalaluddin, is also a prominent athlete in Norway and across Europe and played a key role in her professional journey. “In the beginning, Kamal was my coach. He has many titles himself. Now, for the past two years, I’ve been training with a new team, but his support is still with me,” she explained.
Roya first competed officially in 2022 and placed second in a national fitness competition in Norway. Alongside her athletic pursuits, she completed her university studies in nursing and worked for several years in the healthcare sector. However, her passion for fitness led her to earn professional certifications in coaching and nutrition.
“Since last year, my full focus has been on fitness. I no longer work outside the home. My husband covers our living expenses, and I’ve devoted myself entirely to this goal—becoming a role model, not just for Afghan women but for anyone who believes in change.”
Karimi’s public presence—especially the images from the competition—sparked mixed reactions among Afghans. She recalled:
“When I first posted a photo from the competition on Instagram, I was bombarded. Some people left very harsh comments, but I also received many uplifting messages. Afghan girls—and even boys—wrote to say I had inspired them. One said my name should be in the Guinness Book of Records.”
Karimi noted that around 60% of the feedback was positive and motivational:
“That was heartwarming. It shows that people’s perspectives are shifting. Unlike in the past, not everyone rushes to judge—many are looking for hope and role models.”
Despite this victory, Roya Karimi is focused on the future. She wants to see Afghan women reach the positions they rightfully deserve:
“We come from a country where girls are still banned from going to school. Women in Afghanistan remain shackled by harmful traditions and superstitions. But here, I’ve been able to open a path. I hope it becomes a source of inspiration for women whose voices have been silenced.”
With a gold medal around her neck and faith in her heart, Roya Karimi is not just the champion of a sporting event—she represents a generation of Afghan women who dared to be different, who rose up, and made their voices heard across the world.
