STORY: Egyptian bodybuilder Ali el-Sharkawy collects rubbish

to support himself through his sporting career

El-Sharkawy has won accolades including two bronze medals at national championships

but like many other Egyptian athletes practicing individual sports

he has been unable to secure funding or external support

[Ali el-Sharkawy/ Bodybuilder]

“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.”