“I Wish There Were Better Options”: Egyptian Bodybuilder Becomes a Rag Picker to Support His Bodybuilding Dreams

The sports world has seen many athletes doing big sacrifices, and overcoming obstacles to reach their ambition. The story of Ali el-Sharkawy probably overlaps every struggle that the world has seen so far. Reportedly, this Egyptian man works as a rubbish collector to fund his bodybuilding dreams. Living in Gharbia near Egypt’s Nile delta, Sharkawy works out in the evening but only after completing this duty as a rag picker in the morning. Looking for a better chance to fulfill his dream, the athlete is failing to gather external support and financial help.

As a nationally recognized powerlifter, Sharkawy got medals in the national championships. Aspiring to achieve more here is what he does to support his career.

Egyptian athlete racks up junk to pay for bodybuilding

Previously, the 29-year-old bodybuilder achieved two bronze medals in a national competition. Realizing the potential that he has, Sharkawy wants help to go further. Lately, he gave an interview to Reuters expressing his grief, “I grew up and found myself working. I want to make a career in sports, but I don’t have any other option for jobs other than this. I am still doing this job because there’s no other job available, so I work to make a living and then I can do something good for myself, my family, and my country. God willing, I will not be working like this my whole life. I wish there were better options, I haven’t found a better job to do.”

Being well aware of his capabilities, Sharkawy opts for opportunities to grow his career. But unfortunately, he has to work as a trash picker all day long. He rides a horse-drawn cart to collect the garbage for recycling in exchange for only 200 Egyptian pounds ($6.59) per day. Like any other athlete, he also needs to practice with the best equipment possible and found nothing better than this job. Addressing his concerns, Sharkawy shares how he lacked help from the state for his athletic career and that most of the capital goes for high-profile team sports like soccer.

Despite facing such obstacles, he aspired to be adroit in the sport. Sharkawy looks forward to the Egyptian bodybuilder Mamdouh Elssbiay AKA the “Big Ramy” for his inspiration, who became Mr. Olympia in 2020 and 2021. Mostafa el-Tamimi, Sharkawy’s coach, refers to his incredible acumen to get success soon after he started working out. He stated, “He is seeking to participate in an international championship, but a bodybuilding career needs support and funding to provide nutrition”. The world can only hope that he gets the chance to flourish soon.

Read More – 245lbs Bodybuilder Escapes a Serious Injury in Gym Days After Withdrawing From Arnold Classic 2023

Sharkawy’s story is an instance of how far one can go for his dreams. Does his story inspire you too? Let us know.

Watch This Story – From Ronnie Coleman’s Dominance to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1980 Comeback- Here Are the Top Bodybuilding Moments