YUSRA AL-EHMED

Raqqa- Although weightlifting is known as a sport dominated by men, women have also achieved significant success in weightlifting in recent years.

A part of the Olympics program since 1896, weightlifters compete in various weight classes. Meryem Ismail is one of the women setting their heart on weightlifting. In addition to weightlifting, she also does athletics such as running and long jumping.

25-year-old Meryem Ismail lives in the city of Raqqa, North and East Syria. She went to a gym with her brother when she was seven and this changed her life. At the beginning, sport was only a hobby for her but now it is her lifestyle. Meryem, who trains for hours every day, says sports give her positive energy and that she wants to be a role model for women like herself.

Facing social pressure for doing weightlifting, Meryem Ismail said social pressure faced by her motivated her even more. “I work harder to reveal my talents.”

She challenges stereotypes

Meryem Ismail dreams of being a strong and successful weightlifter. In an interview with NuJINHA, Meryem Ismail said, “When Daesh took control of Raqqa, I had a hard time. Daesh imposed many restrictions on people and I had to stay away from weightlifting. When Raqqa was liberated from Daesh in 2017, I began to do sports although I was married and had children. Sports keep me fit. Exercises strengthen your body and help you balance better. Exercises improve the flexibility of the muscle-tendons and help with back pain. Sports are also important for self-defense. For this reason, women should do sports to defend themselves and be strong.”