Marwa Hassan facts for kids

Marwa Hassan (Arabic: مروة حسن) is an inspiring Egyptian runner. She became famous for her amazing journey from selling tissues on the street to winning races. Her story shows how determination can help you overcome big challenges.

Marwa Hassan's Amazing Race

Marwa Hassan grew up in a tough situation. As a child, her stepmother kept her from going to school. Instead, Marwa had to sell packs of tissues on the street. She couldn't read or write. She also didn't have a cell phone or extra clothes.

In February 2018, when Marwa was 13 years old, she saw a big crowd. People told her it was a running race for the Aswan Heart Centre. This race had different distances for adults, like a marathon and a half marathon. There was also a special 1-kilometre race just for children.

Marwa really wanted to join the children's race. She didn't have proper running clothes or shoes. She was barefoot and wearing a long robe. The people organizing the race were kind. They let her join without paying the fee. Even without the right gear, Marwa surprised everyone. She won the race!

Her prizes were a medal, a bottle of cooking oil, and a free boat trip on the Nile River. The trip even included lunch.

A Champion's Journey

Marwa's victory caught the attention of important people. The British ambassador, John Casson, praised her. The Egyptian Olympic Committee also recognized her talent. She became a member of the Egyptian Athletic Federation and a sports club called Tala'ea El Gaish SC.

However, life was still hard for Marwa. Her father worked odd jobs and earned very little money. Marwa sometimes had to go back to selling tissues. Her running training also stopped for a while during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, her family lost their home in a flood.

Despite these difficulties, Marwa kept pushing forward. She became the only person in her family to attend school. In early 2022, she entered her first professional race. Her sports club, Tala'ea El Gaish SC, sponsored her. Once again, Marwa won first place!

In 2023, Marwa was busy with her schoolwork. She has a big dream for the future. She hopes to become a veterinarian, which is an animal doctor. Her story is a great example of strength and never giving up.