Dareen Barbar is not just an athlete – she’s a force of resilience, courage, and change. After losing her leg at the age of 15, she faced challenges that could have stopped her in her tracks. But instead of giving in, Dareen Barbar rose above them – becoming a Guinness World Record holder, a motivational speaker, and a fierce advocate for inclusion in sports and society. In this candid interview, she shares the moments that tested her the most, the mindset that carried her through, and the message she hopes to leave with the world.
You’ve overcome immense challenges, both physically and emotionally – can you share a moment when you almost gave up, and what motivated you to keep going?
In 2013 and after I delivered my second child, I broke my hip where my amputation is, at that moment I felt that life is so unfair and I wanted to give up, but my kids were the reason that made me fight and get up on my feet again. I wanted to be a role model for them, a mother that doesn’t give up in the face of adversity but rather fights and defeats it.
Many people struggle to adapt after a life-changing event – what advice would you give to someone facing their own difficult turning point?
It’s not easy to adapt to something we don’t have control of or we didn’t chose. But one thing that made me bounce back and come out stronger than ever, is accepting that there are things that I can’t control and focusing on what I could control and change.
I wanted to be a role model for them, a mother that doesn’t give up in the face of adversity but rather fights and defeats it.
You’ve broken athletic records and inspired many with your achievements; how do you define true strength and success in your journey?
True strength is the ability to let go of limiting beliefs. Acknowledge your weakness and change your mindset to serve your goals.
Who has been the most inspirational person in your life?
In every stage in my life there has been someone that inspired me to achieve something. But all through the way I have been my own inspiration, every achievement paves the way for the next. Everything I do, I do it for the 15 year old Dareen who felt desperate when losing her leg and thought she will not have a chance at succeeding in anything. I do it to make her proud.
…disability does not stop us from living our lives normally, what stops us is our mindset. If you have a strong mindset you can adapt to anything.
How do you use your story and platform to empower others with disabilities, and what message do you hope people carry with them after hearing about your journey?
I use my platform to empower everybody not only people with disabilities through sports. Playing any sport or exercising empowers people to face difficulties in life, aging in a healthy way and staying active. I want people to be educated about the abilities of people with disabilities and to spread awareness around our struggles and fight to be included in the society. My message is that disability does not stop us from living our lives normally, what stops us is our mindset. If you have a strong mindset you can adapt to anything. We are stronger that we think we are, and struggles and difficulties are there to show us how strong we are.
To follow her journey and be inspired by her daily life and advocacy, follow Dareen Barbar on Instagram.
