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Haarlem/ Zandvoort | January 2, 2021

Role model: Achmed Salem

Young people like to identify with young role models. In our Haarlem Heroes Comic Book We've recorded a series of short portraits of local young heroes on their way to achieving their dreams. Why do we call them heroes, what do they have to do to achieve them, and who is their own hero?

Why is Achmed a hero?

When the taekwondo school in Schalkwijk was replaced by Fightclub Haarlem, Achmed's mother said, "Go ahead, you can defend yourself, it's good for your discipline, and you're doing well." But the first time didn't go so well, and 11-year-old Achmed wasn't sure it was for him. He persevered anyway and became Dutch champion at thirteen. At 15, he had already achieved both the European and the National Championships in his class. world title inside. Achmed won thirty bouts and lost only two. He also fought older guys, 24 years old, and defeated a man who had already fought a hundred and thirty bouts.

What should he do and not do for this?

In his proud school principal's office hangs a newspaper article about Achmed and his title achievements. She takes his sport into account and helps him balance it with his studies, because school is also important. Achmed trains daily, also with adults who make him stronger. He even trains twice a day for a match. He sees his trainer so often that he considers him a second father, and his own dad is as proud as a peacock. It's hard work and taking hits, and even getting knocked out once is quite painful, but it's all worth it. "Winning is beautiful," says Achmed (17). He carries the discipline, respect for others, resilience, and mental strength he learned in sports into his daily life. He enjoys it when friends ask about his fights and also when the little children he coaches look up to him. He says this modestly, because besides being a strong champion, Achmed is also just a nice guy.

What does Achmed want to achieve?

“My ambition is to become the best.”

Hard work beats talent.

Who is his own hero and why?

Achmed doesn't have a role model. He's just himself, does things his own way, with confidence and hard work, becausehard work beats talentHe does ask me to mention that he owes a lot to his mother. She advises him, watches his diet, his (night) rest, and keeps him balanced.

Order the Heroes comic book and turn young cartoonists into heroes

In the Hero Comic Book, we've compiled the Hero Portrait series and 54 comic strips by 56 young artists (ages 10-16). The artists drew their heroes, and by including all their work in a comic book, we're turning the artists into heroes themselves. Will you join us? You can comic book order for € 15,- via New Canal Productions who produced it selflessly. All proceeds go to our fund, which gives children sports opportunities. 

Also read the stories of role models Mandy Dollart, Calvin Stengs, Hanna Obbeek and Ralph Moerman.