{
  "id": 2411208,
  "title": "One rep at a time: How Syria’s first Hyrox community is taking shape in Damascus",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/one-rep-at-a-time-how-syrias-first-hyrox-community-is-taking-shape-in",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-21T18:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/08/21/hyrox-community-damascus-syria/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Damascus, a unique sporting community is emerging in a small gym, driven by fitness coach Khaled Al Nehlawi. Having returned to Syria after participating in Hyrox, a global fitness race, he identified an opportunity to introduce the sport to young Syrians seeking fresh experiences. This led to the formation of Move, Syria’s inaugural Hyrox community. Hyrox competitions, comprising eight 1km runs interspersed with strength and endurance exercises like sled pushes, rowing, and wall balls, have grown in worldwide popularity. Al Nehlawi observed the energy and enthusiasm of Syria’s youth, but noticed a lack of modern sporting options. This inspired him to establish Move in April 2026. The name, short for \"Make One Victory Every Day,\" encapsulates his coaching philosophy and vision of fostering a community centered on consistent progress and shared achievement. Victory, for Al Nehlawi, can be as simple as showing up to training despite lack of motivation, achieving personal records, or merely surpassing yesterday's performance. Since its inception, Move has seen steady growth, with classes held thrice weekly at the Helfawi Fitness Club, accommodating various schedules. The rapid response prompted Al Nehlawi to believe that Move could become a sustainable community in Syria. He attributes this momentum to the growing ambition and energy of Syrian youth, particularly since the fall of the Assad regime and the subsequent efforts to reconnect with the global community. Al Nehlawi recognizes that sport can offer more than physical benefits - it fosters connections, mutual encouragement, and a shared sense of purpose. He aims to cultivate an environment where participants feel part of a larger community, whether their objective is to compete in Hyrox races, enhance fitness, or adopt a more active lifestyle. Moving beyond Damascus, Al Nehlawi envisions Syrian athletes representing Syria in international Hyrox races, and ultimately, transforming Damascus into a hub for the sport.",
  "summary": "At a small gym in Damascus, a new kind of sporting community is taking shape. Amid pounding music, gruelling workouts and a communal atmosphere, fitness coach Khaled Al Nehlawi is bringing Hyrox to Syria , one rep at a time. After returning to his country with a passion for the global fitness race, which combines running with strength and endurance exercises, the 36-year-old athlete saw an…",
  "key_points": [
    "Khaled Al Nehlawi founded Move, Syria’s first Hyrox community, in April 2026.",
    "Move offers weekly classes at Helfawi Fitness Club, catering to diverse schedules.",
    "Al Nehlawi aims to integrate Syrian athletes into international Hyrox races."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "One rep at a time: How Syria’s first Hyrox community is taking shape in Damascus",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/one-rep-at-a-time-how-syrias-first-hyrox-community-is-taking-shape-in-2415378",
        "published": "2026-08-21T18:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}