In January, Ali Hayder took the European bronze medal for Sweden in Kyokushin, a karate style with full contact. But the 25-year-old's road to the Swedish national team has been long.

As a 19-year-old, he was forced to flee his native Iraq. Ali says that his girlfriend had three brothers in the military, and when they found out about the love, they searched for Ali to kill him.

Ali used his karate and got out of the situation, but was then hunted down to defeat the military.

- I had to leave Iraq because I didn't want anything to happen to my family. My friends told me that "the military will kill you," he says.

Ali first managed to get to Turkey and jumped on a inflatable boat to go on to Greece. He says that the inflatable boat broke and that he swam for his life in the Mediterranean before he finally reached the shore.

- It was a hell. Five hours in the water in the middle of the night. I saw children and families die and thought my life would end.

You've gone through more than most?

- Yes, the worst thing was seeing all the kids who couldn't. Some have asked why I didn't bring my family when I fled but no, no, no. I'd rather die myself than see my family get in the water that way.

How often do you think about this today?

- I try to forget, but when I see water today I think of it immediately. I don't like to be near the sea because then the pictures will come back. It's tough.

It has been six years since Ali Hayder last met his family in Iraq.

- In the beginning we had no contact, but now we have talked a little grand. They do not have good internet and I am afraid to contact them in case they have problems with the military.

How was it that as a 19-year-old to leave his family, his training, his education, his girlfriend ... his life?

- It was hell for me. At first, I didn't care if I lived or died, that's why I moved on through the water.

At the end of 2015 he came to Sweden. All he had with him was his black belt, his karate diploma and his gi, ie his uniform.

At the club Stockholm Kyokushin on Södermalm there was a experienced trainer named Brian Fitkin. Ali, who had read one of his books, recognized the name and knocked.

- I didn't know how Ali was as a person so we sat down and talked for a while, although it was difficult to communicate. I wanted to see if he had a good attitude and I quickly got the feeling that he was a very kind person who really loved karate. He had a passion for it, says Fitkin, and continues:

- Ali trained hard and was just the kind of person you want in a club. He lifted the whole club. It didn't take long before he started competing here in Sweden and was able to show what he goes for. Then he got respect very quickly.

Ali Hayder describes the club as his "first family in Sweden".

- I hope it is so for Ali and everyone else. That's part of what the club stands for. The students can come to me and talk if they want so I give them the advice or the help I can. That's the atmosphere we want. The club becomes like a second home to many, says Brian Fitkin.

In 2017, Ali was granted a temporary residence permit in Sweden which expires in May. He has now applied for a permanent residence permit, but does not know if it will be granted.

- It has been important for me to adapt to life here in Sweden so I have focused more on my job and to learn the language and culture here than karate. If I get my residence permit, I might be able to relax a little and focus more on the sport, he says.

The life puzzle has largely influenced his investment in karate.

- The most important age in karate is between 20 and 28. That's when you have the greatest chance of winning the World Cup, which is my highest dream. I train twice a day to get there. Before and after work.

- Karate means everything to me. It has saved my life. When I came to Sweden, I had nothing. I had zero crowns, no friends and couldn't speak the language, but I had the karate.

Ali Hayder's highest dream is to become a Swedish citizen and win a World Cup gold for Sweden.

He misses his family back home in Iraq - but says he is grateful that he has been given a new chance in life in Sweden.

- There are many who think that we who come to Sweden from other countries just want to destroy. That we flee from our homeland because we want to. I had to leave Iraq, but now I am doing my best to get a good life here as well. I try to learn Swedish, I have a job, Swedish partner, housing. We are many who actually want to live.

View the full report on Ali Hayder here:

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