The Hijabi fighter, Tina Rahimi who was born in Australia to Iranian parents, is the Commonwealth Games' first Muslim female boxer to compete.
The 26-year-old boxer, did not start boxing until 2017 and it was just for fitness. Being nervous, Rahimi cried before her first battle in 2018
"I didn’t really have much confidence,” she said. “I remember jumping in the ring and I did not feel fit at all. After the first round I was dropping my hands and I remember thinking ‘what am I doing? I am not fit enough for this?’” “I did get my first win and I was happy but I knew I had to do a lot more if I wanted to continue with the sport.”
Rahimi's hard effort paid off; she sits now at 17 wins and 4 losses. Her faith plays a role in her pre-fight routine.
I have all my faith in God, I believe if it is meant to be it will be, I obviously do my normal training and warm up but I’m constantly praying, praying, praying before I walk out. I ask God to give me the victory and I sit down and really reflect.
Rahimi is not her family's only athlete, her father was a European and Australian wrestling champion.
Source: Australia Digital News Network
