From Refugee Camp to World Record Holder
Washington, USA (Kurdistan24) – When Helkat Jaffer stepped onto a StairMaster at GoodLife Fitness in Orléans at noon on August 30th, he wasn’t simply chasing numbers—he was chasing history. Twenty-four hours later, with more than 111,000 steps completed and a Guinness World Record secured, Jaffer had accomplished something extraordinary. Yet for him, the real story isn’t about records—it’s about resilience, community, and carrying the spirit of Kurdistan wherever life takes him.
Born in a refugee camp in Silopi, southeast Türkiye (Northern Kurdistan), Jaffer moved to Canada with his family at just six months old. Raised in Ottawa, he grew up balancing a Canadian upbringing with a strong connection to his Kurdish heritage. “I always felt connected to where I came from,” he reflects, pointing to his uncle and his grandfather, Jaafar—who has proudly worn traditional Kurdish dress in Canada for decades—as constant reminders of identity and pride.
Jaffer’s path to the record books was far from easy. In April 2023, he suffered a devastating Achilles tear—an injury that could have ended his athletic journey. Instead, it became the spark for his next chapter. Through relentless rehabilitation, unwavering discipline, and a deep belief in the power of movement, he turned a setback into a comeback, a journey he now shares in his forthcoming book, The Power of Movement.
The StairMaster challenge was more than a test of endurance—it was a mission to give back. Jaffer used the event to raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, ultimately bringing in over $7,000 for youth programming. In an interview with Kurdistan24 Jaffer said “It was never just about climbing stairs, it was about proving that resilience pays off and showing kids that with the right mindset, you can overcome any obstacle.”
Cheered on by gym members, family, friends, and BGC youth, Jaffer embodied the message he hopes will define his legacy: that movement is medicine, and challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth.
Looking ahead, Jaffer has ambitious plans. Alongside the release of The Power of Movement, he hopes to continue inspiring communities through athletic challenges, public speaking, and mentorship. And he carries a special message for the youth of Kurdistan: “Believe in yourself. Don’t let challenges define you—let them refine you. Your culture is your strength, and the world is waiting for what you have to offer.”
For Helkat Jaffer, every step counts. With each one, he isn’t just climbing machines—he’s climbing into history, carrying a legacy that stretches from a refugee camp in Silopi to Canada and beyond.
Full Transcript of the Interview:
Q1: Could you please tell us who you are and where you were born?
My name is Helkat Jaffer. I was born in a refugee camp in Silopi, Northern Kurdistan, but my parents are originally from Duhok, Kurdistan Region, and although I’ve built much of my life and career in Canada, my roots, values, and identity are strongly tied to Kurdistan.
Q2: What did you study, and when did you move to Canada?
I pursued studies in health, fitness, and leadership, which became the foundation of my career in movement and performance, and since then I’ve been fortunate to grow both personally and professionally in a community that values hard work, diversity, and resilience.
Q3: What inspired you to choose this subject, and what steps did you take to achieve success?
My inspiration came from a personal journey of overcoming challenges—particularly my Achilles injury. That experience taught me how powerful movement can be, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. From there, I committed myself to training, education, and pushing my limits. That path ultimately led me to writing The Power of Movement and attempting—and breaking—the StairMaster world record to show what’s possible with discipline, belief, and community support.
Q4: uncle Jaafar—who is also your grandfather—has been wearing traditional Kurdish clothing in Canada for many years. What does this mean to you?
It means a great deal. His choice to wear traditional Kurdish clothing is a constant reminder of where we come from and the importance of carrying our heritage with pride, no matter where we are. It represents strength, identity, and resilience—and it inspires me to live authentically and never forget my cultural roots while chasing big goals.
Q5: How do you feel now, and what message would you like to share with the youth of Kurdistan?
Right now, I feel deeply grateful and proud—not just for what I achieved personally, but for the opportunity to use my journey to inspire others. To the youth of Kurdistan, my message is simple: never underestimate what you’re capable of. Even when you face obstacles, you can turn them into opportunities for growth. Stay true to your culture, stay disciplined, and believe in yourself—the world is wide open to you.
Q6: Could you also share a little about your future plans with us?
Looking ahead, I want to continue spreading the message of resilience and the power of movement. My immediate focus is on launching my book The Power of Movement and using it as a platform to inspire people globally. I also plan to keep pushing limits through athletic challenges and community initiatives—especially ones that give back to youth. My long-term goal is to build a global movement that helps people unlock their full potential, both physically and mentally.
