Ramadan just the first challenge for Aussie boxer

SBS World News Radio: Bianca 'Bam Bam' Elmir is an athlete on a mission, hoping to break down stereotypes by representing Australia at next year's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Ramadan just the first challenge for Aussie boxerRamadan just the first challenge for Aussie boxer

Ramadan just the first challenge for Aussie boxer

Elmir is currently observing Ramadan - just the first of many challenges she will face this year.

It's common for Bianca Elmir to abstain from eating and drinking before a training session.

But the physical demands of boxing means she isn't be able to fast every day.

"Sometimes it can get very overwhelming with the training schedule that I've got on and leading up to a fight it's very difficult because everything is assessed you know like how much you're drinking, how much you're eating, because I have to be perfectly a certain weight, to the gram."

When she does fast, it's done with a purpose.

"I'll dedicate it towards something, so you know the other day I dedicated it to just recognising my environment and I was just really mindful of my environment all day because I made the intention of fasting for - obviously, first for God - but then secondly to be mindful of my environment, care and respect it. I was trying to pick up rubbish around me and just being really grateful for everything around me, just being mindful of trees and all these really beautiful things."

Elmir has been a Muslim since she was a child.

The 34 year-old admits being open about her faith still presents its challenges.

"As soon as I say I'm Muslim I have to automatically defend myself, I'm in a defensive position, and that's a really negative experience."

In November, she will attempt to qualify for next year's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Her trainer, former Olympian Jamie Pittman, says Elmir is destined for success.

"If she can continue to grow and improve and stay obsessed with boxing the way she has the last six weeks she will be going to the Commonwealth Games and winning a gold medal, I've got no doubt in hell that she will be the best 51kg in the Commonwealth."

Elmir hopes achieving that goal will inspire other young Muslim women in Australia.

"For other Islamic women I would hope that I can lead by example, in showing that 'be comfortable in your own skin, things will get tough sometimes, it's tough for everyone just being a human being in this world and if you just try hard and do as much as you can to be the person that you can be, then anything is possible.' I honestly believe that."

 






Share

3 min read

Published


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world