Fouad Idbafdil: Breaking Limits, Building Hope, and Running for Those Without a Flag

PARIS - Aug. 28, 2025 - PRLog -- Making a humble start as a refugee from Morocco, Fouad Idbafdil is today a global athletic icon and an inspiration to refugees.

Fouad Idbafdil's Hurdles and Success Story

As a young man living in Morocco, Idbafdil had a career as a soldier in the country's military. Later, he left Morocco as a refugee, first setting foot in Sweden (where he was denied) and then France.

Using his training, he seized the opportunities available and gained a position on the illustrious Athlete Refugee Team (ART). As an athlete, he participated in international sporting events, achieving the following personal bests:

Year   Event   Score   Time   Venue

2023   3000 m   1101   8:34.72   Stade Raymond Troussier in Decines, France

2023   1500 m   951   3:52.03   Arena Civica Gianni Brera in Milano, Italy

2021   3000 m   990   8:15.06   Stadium Miramas Métropole in Miramas, France

Table: Personal Bests Achieved by Fouad Idbafdil

He is also the recipient of the International Olympic Committee scholarship and sponsorship from France to prepare for future sporting events.

How Idbafdil Gives Hope to Refugees Everywhere

Fouad Idbafdil is a living story of how no hurdle can stop the truly determined. Refugees living in a foreign land receive only the bare minimum of opportunities and resources. Yet, Idbafdil made the most of his circumstances to carve out a position as a steeplechaser.

Idbafdil shows first-hand that limits and barriers are built to be broken and milestones there to be achieved. His achievements, on and off the track, give refugees the hope that they, too, can persevere and work hard to achieve what they set their minds to.

What Idbafdil is Doing Today

Idbafdil is an advocate for global refugees and mentors budding athletes. Not only does he work to ensure that refugees receive adequate representation, but also equal opportunities. Leading by example, Fouad Idbafdil shows how, given the opportunity, people have the potential to do extraordinary things.