Nadir Hajro was born on March 26, 1989, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although expected to be born during the summer, he arrived prematurely after only seven months of pregnancy and was diagnosed shortly after birth with cerebral palsy. While the condition primarily affected him physically, his intelligence remained untouched. Throughout his childhood and adult life, Nadir often struggled with the emotional challenges of living with a disability, facing discrimination, bullying, and the limitations placed upon him by society.
Growing up during the Bosnian War made life even more difficult. Rehabilitation services, specialized education, and support systems for individuals with disabilities were extremely limited. Despite these obstacles, Nadir excelled academically, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and continuing his studies toward a Master’s Degree at the University of Sarajevo.
As a child, Nadir dreamed of becoming strong like Arnold Schwarzenegger after watching his movies. Looking at himself in the mirror, however, he saw a weak young boy with muscle spasms and atrophied muscles. Those dreams seemed impossible until the age of eighteen when he met IFBB Pro Mirsad Terzo. Terzo introduced him to bodybuilding and forever changed the direction of his life.
Under Terzo’s guidance, Nadir dedicated himself to training. What had once been something he hated became his greatest passion. He learned to embrace challenging exercises, including training his legs, once pushing over 660 pounds on the leg press. Bodybuilding transformed not only his physique but also his confidence, self-image, and outlook on life.
In 2014, Nadir won several national bodybuilding championships and earned a Bronze Medal at the IFBB European Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships in Santa Susanna, Spain, competing in the Wheelchair Bodybuilding division. His accomplishments earned him a Special Acknowledgment for Achieved Results during the 70th Choice Awards for the Most Successful Athletes and Teams of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Nadir’s success soon led to an invitation to compete professionally at the inaugural Arnold Classic Professional Wheelchair Bodybuilding competition in 2016. Despite significant financial hardships, including earning only about $400 per month and having an unemployed mother, his dream became reality. He became the first IFBB Professional Bodybuilder in history with cerebral palsy, breaking barriers and inspiring athletes around the world.
Nadir credits much of this opportunity to the support of his family, coach Mirsad Terzo, his friends, and Nick Scott, who fought tirelessly to establish professional opportunities for wheelchair athletes. Today, bodybuilding is more than a sport—it is his way of proving that cerebral palsy does not define his future.
As the first IFBB Professional athlete with cerebral palsy, the first professional wheelchair bodybuilder from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and one of the youngest competitors in the division, Nadir continues to inspire others through fitness, health, and perseverance. His long-term goal is to establish a community that helps people with disabilities realize their potential and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
I was born prematurely and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after birth. While the condition affects me physically, I have never allowed it to define who I am or what I can accomplish.
As a child, I dreamed of looking like Arnold Schwarzenegger after watching his movies. At eighteen years old, I met IFBB Pro Mirsad Terzo, who introduced me to bodybuilding and showed me that my dreams were possible.
I wanted to challenge myself, prove that people with disabilities are capable of extraordinary things, and represent Bosnia and Herzegovina on the international stage. Competing allowed me to inspire others while pursuing my own dreams.
I committed myself to consistent training, worked closely with my coach Mirsad Terzo, focused on improving every part of my body—including the muscles most affected by cerebral palsy—and never stopped believing that hard work would pay off.
Knowing that my journey gives hope to others with disabilities motivates me every day. I want people to understand that obstacles do not have to determine your future. If my story inspires even one person to believe in themselves, then everything has been worth it.
Never let anyone define your limits. Believe in yourself, stay consistent, work hard every day, and never give up because of your circumstances. Your greatest strength comes from refusing to quit. No matter what challenges you face, keep moving forward and become the best version of yourself.
• IFBB PRO Contest History
2018 Dallas Europa Games : 7th Place
• Earned IFBB Pro Card
2018 IFBB Professional League Approval : IFBB Pro Card
