Akhlaghi got on the bike in Istanbul on February 21 and finished at Nordkapp on Saturday. On the trip, he recorded 12,007 kilometres. – I do this to prove that nothing is impossible. With hard work and a good plan, you can achieve most things, says the 23-year-old, who is originally from Afghanistan. On Saturday, he stepped onto the Nordkapp plateau after 178 days on the bike. The next day he celebrated that the trip was over. Together with members of the local cycling club, he cycled a four-mile trip towards Kirkenes, before speeches were made by, among others, the mayor and Mental Health. It has been four years since he moved from the city. – I am speechless. It was absolutely incredible. I am shocked – and grateful that so many people care and wanted to stand up, says Akhlaghi. Victim of bullying Akhlaghi was five years old when the family fled the war-torn country to Norway and Kirkenes. The meeting with Norway was brutal, and bullying became everyday for Akhlaghi. – I was bullied from day one. I quickly felt the feeling of being different, and that I was not accepted or belonged there. The bullies made songs, tagged walls, said and did nasty things. I felt very alone in my childhood, he says. Akhlaghi says outdoor life was the salvation after many difficult years. Folkehøgskole in Western Norway and the outdoor life there became the salvation for Hadi Akhlaghi after many difficult years. Photo: Privat – The experiences at a folk high school in North-West Norway meant a lot to me, he emphasises. At first he wanted to quit. – I didn’t quite get it, and felt sorry for myself. One of the teachers saw me and pushed me. I probably wouldn’t be where I am today without his help. During this school year I discovered new things about myself and grew a lot, says Akhlaghi. Spleis for Mental Health According to the organization Mental Health, it is the first time that someone has cycled across Europe, followed by Europe lengthwise. Akhlaghi’s long cycle ride is done in collaboration with the organisation. He has created a joint to raise money for them. – My wish is that more people with minority backgrounds dare to open up. There are too many people who sit alone with bad thoughts and trauma. They come from countries where mental health is not an issue, he says. Magnus Mæland Photo: Kristin Humstad / news Mayor Magnus Mæland states that Hadi is one of Sør-Varanger’s great sons. – The physical strength test he has completed is one thing, but you can imagine the psychological burden as well, says Mæland. – The fact that he puts such a big focus on mental health, and the fact that he has been open about a difficult childhood, makes him a role model and an ambassador for Sør-Varanger municipality – What he went through as a child, no one should experience, adds the mayor. – I have become a little more confident in dealing with fear, says Hadi Akhlagi after the long bike ride. Photo: Privat Handles fear On one point in particular, Akhlagi has learned something from the long trip, he believes himself. – I have become a little more confident in dealing with fear. I feel fear holds us back a lot. It holds us back from doing something, from daring to try and fail. I have gained a little more control over that. The route was roughly planned, without detailed stages or timetables. – I have had it quite freely, because I think that the less planning, the more adventure. I have taken the time I need. – What would you do differently if you were to start the trip with the knowledge you have now? – I would do one thing differently: maybe train a little. I had zero training. But I have struggled a bit with injuries on the trip, says Hadi. – It’s a big chance to take, but it’s not in the legs, it’s in the head. That’s where it’s at. He looks forward to traveling around, giving talks and sharing the experiences he made on the trip. But that doesn’t mean he’s tired of being on tour. – The body feels quite good now. It’s sad to be done, I could have lasted a few more months. I thought it would be more bored and tired, but I want more! Published 18.08.2024, at 22.13
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The bullying victim cycled 12,007 kilometers to promote mental health – news Troms and Finnmark
