Syrian Teen, 17, Wins 4 World Medals, Trains Raqqa Girls
Haji first picked up a barbell at age 9 in Raqqa. Nearly nine years on, she still trains in the same gym and passes on to younger girls the techniques she honed on her way through national and international competition.
Her results have climbed steadily. She took second place at her first championship in 2023, then won first place in competitions in 2024 and 2025. In 2026, she entered the Syrian Republic Championship and world championship qualifiers, where she said she broke world records and earned a spot at the international event. She came home from the world championships in South Africa in August with four medals.
“I competed in the Republic Championship and the world championship qualifiers in 2026,” she told media. “I broke world records again and qualified for the world championships. I won three gold medals and one silver medal at the competition in South Africa.”
The path has not been free of obstacles. Haji said she qualified for another world championship in 2025 but could not attend because of visa problems. She later placed first in qualifiers for the West Asian Championship in Qatar.
Alongside her own training, Haji has taken on the task of bringing other girls into a sport still widely seen as demanding raw strength and traditionally dominated by men. She said success takes far more than power, pointing to flexibility, mobility, balance and sound technique. Sessions cover the snatch, the clean and jerk, pulling and pushing movements, and balance and flexibility work.
Her trainees include her own sisters and two girls named Marah and Faiza, whom she believes can succeed in future international competitions.
“I want both myself and the girls I work with to reach the Olympics,” Haji said. “They deserve it. These girls have been working for about four years. They started at a young age and have continued to improve themselves.”
Family, funding and future goals
Haji said her family's backing has been vital throughout her career. She described her mother as a leading source of encouragement and an important role model. She also thanked Raqqa Governor Abdurrahman al-Salama for financial and moral support during her preparations for international competition.
“The governor supported me both morally and financially,” she said. “Without him, I might not have been able to attend the championship. He and my coach covered all the expenses for my preparation.”
Her next target is more international titles, along with helping the girls training beside her reach competitions beyond Syria. She hopes her story shows younger athletes that starting early, staying consistent and finding the right support can open a route to the world stage.
For Haji, success will be measured not only by her own medals but by whether the girls she coaches one day compete at world championships and the Olympic Games.
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