The weight of depression can be crippling, but UAE-based Amna Al Haddad healed her mental health woes by taking up weightlifting and emerged victorious. As a woman in a society that still lacks mental health awareness, Al Haddad broke multiple glass ceilings to reach out and bag six gold and three silver medals at international weightlifting events.

Refusing being burdened by labels such as a “hijabi-athlete,” she turned it into an identity to break stereotypes around Muslim women. Formerly a journalist, while battling depression, she took control of her physical and mental health, and her workouts led to worldwide fame as a weightlifter. She now uses her reach to raise awareness about mental health and inspire those struggling with conditions like hers.