Forced into marriage as a child in Afghanistan, Roya Karimi has escaped violence and oppression and built a new life in Norway. 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.

Iceland’s ancient Viking sport Glíma is at risk of disappearing. Champion Þórður Ólafsson is working to revive interest as participation declines and younger generations turn to other sports.

Former footballer Yevgeny Savin has been convicted in absentia in his home country, Russia, for speaking out against the war in Ukraine. But ‘Sava’ has rebuilt his life, and his football club, in Cyprus.

Russia recruits men from some of the poorest corners of the world to fight in its war in Ukraine. They are promised high pay, only to be sent into deadly “meat-grinder assaults.” Their families often have no information about what has happened to them. Despite reports that recruiters have been placed on stop lists, experts believe that Russia continues to recruit foreign nationals.