I didn’t quite get it at the time, but when I started training at Southcity Boxing & Fitness, I was joining a gym with serious pedigree. Over its lifespan, the gym has produced national and state champions as well as boxers that have competed at the Olympic and Commonwealth games. I’ve made peace with the fact that I won’t be fighting for Australia any time soon, but that’s okay. Every time I go to Southcity, I get the chance to fight for myself. Thanks to the trainers there, I’ve managed to get a little faster, a little fitter and a little happier in my own skin and continue to make small yet meaningful gains every session, every week, every month and every year. A big part of this transformation, I think, is being able to sweat alongside so many legends that push me as well as celebrate my wins. This relationship isn’t one way and I’m equally inspired by and proud of all their successes too. Best of all, somewhere along the way, Southcity started feeling less like a club and started more like a family. What a privilege it is to be able to grow with such a great family.