As we kickstart the Paris 2024 Olympics (and our mini The Healthy Mummy Olympics!) , we’re excited to share an inspiring story that shows just how powerful determination and resilience can be. Meet Marissa Williamson-Pohlman, the first Aboriginal woman to qualify for the Australian Olympic boxing team!
Marissa’s journey to the Olympics hasn’t been an easy one. She faced numerous challenges growing up, including time in the foster care system and periods of homelessness. But through it all, Marissa never gave up on her dreams. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter what obstacles we face, we can overcome them with perseverance and support.
Finding her strength
Boxing wasn’t always Marissa’s plan. In fact, she initially took up football as a way to channel her energy. It wasn’t until later that she discovered her passion for boxing. As Marissa puts it in an interview with ABC News, “In boxing, you’re not fighting. It’s about training yourself to stay calm. You’re in a pressure cooker and someone’s trying to knock your head off.”
This mindset of staying calm under pressure is something we can all apply to our daily lives as mums, whether we’re dealing with toddler tantrums or juggling work and family commitments!
The power of support
One of the most touching aspects of Marissa’s story is the importance of having a strong support system. Her coach, Kel Bryant, and her adoptive mother have played crucial roles in her journey. As Marissa says about her coach, “He never gave up on me.”
This reminds us of the power of our Healthy Mummy community. We’re all here to support each other, cheer each other on, and never give up on our goals!
Overcoming Mental Health
Challenges Marissa is open about her struggles with mental health. She’s now a strong advocate for mental health awareness and credits therapy and medication as crucial parts of her journey. “I honestly wouldn’t be able to be the person I am today without doing all the work I have,” she says.
Her honesty is a powerful reminder that it’s okay to seek help and that taking care of our mental health is just as important as our physical health.
Lessons We Can All Learn
While most of us might not be training for the Olympics, there’s so much we can take away from Marissa’s story:
- Resilience pays off: Keep pushing towards your goals, even when times are tough.
- Find your support system: Whether it’s family, friends, or your Healthy Mummy community, having support is crucial.
- Take care of your mental health: It’s okay to seek help and prioritize your mental wellbeing.
- Embrace challenges: They can make you stronger and teach you valuable life skills.
As we cheer on Marissa and all our Aussie athletes in Paris, let’s remember that we’re all capable of amazing things. Whether your goal is to run a 5k, lose those last few kilos, or simply find more balance in your life, you’ve got the strength within you to make it happen!
Ready to start your own journey to strength and health? Check out our 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge for workouts, meal plans, and a supportive community that believes in you!
We’re giving away FREE access for the entire Olympics!
