In the city of Peshawar, she grew into a fighter, first as part of a rare all-girls karate team and, later, as a champion in judo, a sport she appreciated for its emphasis on intellect over aggression.
Shaheen's love of judo took her all over: back to Afghanistan, where she endured ambient gunfire and harassment to train and earn her undergraduate degree; to Russia (again, to train, albeit unsuccessfully, during COVID); and, in 2021, to the Olympics. After struggling to find a country that would host her, she competed on the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, a group of athletes representing the millions of displaced people around the world. A shoulder injury cost Shaheen a place on the podium, but this summer, she'll get a second chance.
Thanks to a sports scholarship arranged by the International Olympic Committee, the International Judo Federation, World University Service of Canada and UNHCR, the UN's refugee agency, Shaheen, now 30, has been prepping for the Paris Games in Toronto since 2022. She has a new dojo, a new permanent resident card, a new degree from Scarborough's Centennial College and a renewed desire to medal. She won't be carrying Canada's flag but, for now, home is here.
Your parents fled the civil war in Afghanistan in 1993, when you were a baby. What have they told you about that journey to safety?
After attacks by mujahedeen rebels, my mom left Kabul with the four of us kids.
My dad was trapped and hid at his office, but met up with us a day later. We travelled by car to the Pakistani border town of Torkham. From there, we walked through the mountains over two days and two nights. My eldest sister was 13 at that point, and my mom stayed awake all night to make sure no one assaulted us.
How did your family adjust to this new life in Peshawar?
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Denne historien er fra July 2024-utgaven av Maclean's.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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A Teacher's Tale
My career in Quebec ended because I chose to keep my hijab
Top Marks
InSaguenay, Quebec, Ecole de l'Etincelle embodies the school of the future
Modernize Parental Leave
Canada's birth rate is dropping, and the cost of living is partly to blame. A more supportive leave plan would make parenthood more affordable
"I spent years trying to learn English.Now I use ChatGPT."
AI isn't perfect, but it helps me write complex emails and understand Canadian culture
MY PREDICTION - The National School Food Program Will Transform Kids' Health
When students have access to nutritious food, they do better in school and life
FOOD
The exorbitant cost of food will have ripple effects on the restaurant industry and grocery stores. The good news? There's a plan to save the country's salmon supply.
MY PREDICTION - New Mortgage Rules Will Drive Up Housing Prices
Looser lending policies will encourage more people to buy homes they can't afford in the first place
HOUSING
Politicians will spar over how to tackle the housing crisis. Falling interest rates will draw young people into the real estate market. And a rude awakening is coming for homeowners renewing mortgages.
MY PREDICTION - Stuctured Literacy Will Help Level the Educational Playing Field
Canadian students have struggled to read and write. That stops this year.
EDUCATION
Quebec's classrooms will take centre stage in the secularism debate. Chatbots will help students create A-plus work, while others will grade themselves. And thousands of international students will be sent home.
