As a novice boxer, no one could mistake me for a pro. Yet, I couldn’t pass up a chance to train with the pros—the best boxers in the nation—at the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center.

From shadow boxing to bag work, I broke a sweat and tried with my all to keep up. I had no choice but to roll with the punches.

Physically, the workout pushed me to my limits. But I didn’t expect the session to move me emotionally.

The boxers I met shared that they had started training at a young age, turning to boxing and their local gym as a place where they could feel safe and accepted. It was sport that allowed them to develop confidence and a sense of strength.

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