“I was blown away and inspired by her strength, her perseverance, and who she is as a woman”
BY NAZ SAKICI, IMAGE VIA INSTAGRAM (@CHRISTY_R_MARTIN)
Actor Sydney Sweeney recently caused conversation on social media after posting her transformation into former boxing champion and lesbian icon, Christy Martin.
Sweeney told Bustle in a recent interview that she found Martin’s story inspiring: “She has faced many challenges inside and outside the ring. I was blown away and inspired by her strength, her perseverance, and who she is as a woman. Having a character [who] has so many layers and depths, that’s a dream as an actor. I loved every part of it.”
According to Sweeney, she gained 30 pounds and trained constantly in order to play the boxing legend. She prepared for the role by weight-training for an hour in the morning, kick-boxing midday for two hours, and weight-training for an hour at night. Sweeney loved her transformation for the role as she expresses her joy, saying she is feeling “crazy strong”.
Christy Martin gained the nickname The Coal Miner’s Daughter, which refers to her father’s profession. She is seen as one of the most prestigious names in female boxing as she put women’s boxing on the map. Martin started her career in 1989 and retired in 2011. After her retirement, Martin was included in the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014. She is known to be the first and only female boxer to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
Martin’s story continues to inspire many people including Sweeney, whether it is her journey with her sexuality, her determination as a woman in sports or her being a survivor of domestic violence by her then-husband and manager Jim Martin. She paved the way for many women boxers who followed her path.
The film is described as a tale of an underdog, as it tells the story of the boxing champion. Although the project is untitled, it is directed by David Michôd and will include Love Lies Bleeding star Katy O’Brian along with Sweeney.
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