Lebanese sprinter Noureddine Hadid's journey to the World Indoor Championships in Poland has been marked by extreme challenges, including imprisonment and the turmoil of living in a war zone. Hadid last competed in significant international events in 2023 before being forced to pause his athletics career due to a conflict with the Lebanese armed forces. Until that point, he had been a part of the Lebanese army's sports team but faced issues that led him to seek a release from his contract, prompting him to leave the country and seek freedom to pursue his athletic career.

In a recent interview conducted in Torun after the preliminary heats of the 60-meter dash, Hadid expressed that he had to first relocate abroad for about a year to be able to dissolve his contract, which was a complicated process due to his military ties. He moved to Paris and trained under American coach Jameson Bradley, which allowed him to prepare for competitions without the constraints of his previous team. Settling in France was a critical step for Hadid, providing him with the necessary environment to focus on his sport away from the pressures of the conflict back home.

After securing his freedom, Hadid has returned to Lebanon, facing the daunting realities of life in a country plagued by strife. He described the situation as frightening, reflecting on how the conflict impacts daily life for athletes and civilians alike. His story illustrates not only the personal struggles of a dedicated athlete but also the broader implications of living in a war-torn nation, highlighting the resilience required to continue pursuing one’s dreams despite overwhelming odds and chaos.