Thu Sep 04 10:21:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized version of the text, followed by a news article based on it:

**Summary:**

Saleh Hussein al-Raidi, a 24-year-old bodybuilder in Yemen, struggles to pursue his bodybuilding dreams amidst the country’s economic hardship and ongoing civil war. Working multiple jobs to support his family, he lacks the financial resources for proper nutrition and supplements, hindering his progress and ability to compete effectively. Despite the challenges of training in a poorly equipped gym with limited resources, his passion and discipline drive him to continue striving for his goals.

**News Article:**

**Yemeni Bodybuilder Muscles Through Adversity, Dreams of International Stage**

**Mukalla, Yemen** – In a dimly lit gym in war-torn Yemen, Saleh Hussein al-Raidi is battling more than just barbells. The 24-year-old bodybuilder is fighting against poverty and the crippling effects of civil war to pursue his dream of competing on the international stage.

Al-Raidi works tirelessly, juggling jobs as a port worker and a freediver to support his wife, child, and parents. This leaves him with little income to afford the protein-rich diet and supplements essential for success in bodybuilding. “I work hard, but even then, I barely scrape together enough to buy the supplements I need,” he explains.

Training in Mukalla’s “King Gym,” a cramped space with outdated equipment and frequent power outages, poses further challenges. Al-Raidi’s early competition experiences have been disappointing, with limited financial awards barely covering travel expenses. Even when selected to compete in Saudi Arabia, he faced days-long delays at the border, depleting his food supply and compromising his performance.

“My body just crumbled,” he recalls. “I was exhausted and placed seventh because I couldn’t afford the proper means of travel.”

Despite the obstacles, al-Raidi remains undeterred. Driven by passion and a commitment to discipline, he continues to train, drawing inspiration from bodybuilding role models such as Ahmed Shokry and Christopher Bumstead. His ultimate goal is to compete in top regional competitions like the Dubai Pro Bodybuilding Championship.

“Seeing my body respond [to training] and improve keeps me going, no matter how tough things get,” he says. “Bodybuilding has taught me discipline in every part of my life.”

In a country where millions face daily struggles, Saleh Hussein al-Raidi represents the enduring power of hope and determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

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