They said he had four hours to live, now he’s in a mainstream classroom, writing his name. Youssef Dib's story

Hi everyone, This week on Wine with Wita, I sit down with Youssef Dib, one of Australia’s most recognised boxers, part of a legendary fighting family, and a father of three. But this episode isn’t about titles or trophies. It’s about what happens outside the ring: in hospital corridors, therapy rooms, and quiet moments of doubt and faith. Youssef’s middle child, Jibreel, was born at just 25 weeks, weighing around 830 grams. After spending four months in NICU and receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis at 8 months, doctors suggested it might be time to let go. But Youssef and his wife held on, to hope, to faith, and to their son. In this conversation, Youssef shares:⚡️ The emotional toll of watching his newborn fight for life in NICU ⚡️ How he initially struggled with denial, leaving most of the early intervention to his wife ⚡️ The turning point that led him to fully embrace fatherhood, and advocacy ⚡️ How Jibreel, now thriving in mainstream school, continues to defy every “he’ll never…” they were toldDespite being a fighter in the ring, Youssef says it’s his son who taught him what true strength looks like. Now, Youssef is not only a proud dad but a passionate advocate for kids with special needs, using his voice to share what he wishes more dads knew. This episode was proudly sponsored Tambakis Physiotherapy, because parents deserve support too.When you're raising a child with physical or developmental challenges having the right people around you makes all the difference.Tambakis offers expert, family centred physiotherapy and exercise physiology in Sydney's South-West, helping you feel less alone and more supported on the journey.Learn more at tambakisphysiotherapy.com.auDisclaimer: the purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development