Cherie Pavitt

AGE 71 Grandmother, boxer

“I began boxing training four years ago because I’d had an intruder. I thought boxing might be a self-defence tool to make me feel less vulnerable.

“There were other reasons, too. I had begun looking after my grandchildren and some of my friends’ grandchildren, so I was lifting children in and out of the car a lot, and I needed to get stronger. I also wanted to improve my overall fitness, flexibility and balance, and reduce those risks that are associated with getting older: cardiovascular incidents, falls, hip and knee replacements.

“I enjoy this training. You have to concentrate to learn new drills and focus on the sequences, so it’s good for both body and brain. It’s also quite a nice stress reliever because you’re punching pads or a bag and getting rid of all that aggression. Boxing makes you move around, so it’s cardiovascular and it’s been nice to learn how to jab and hook. I’m pretty tough, by the way.

“My aim now is to slow down the ageing process and remain as independent as I can, and I’m achieving those things. I think I’m quite strong, pretty toned and agile, and my flexibility is good. Compared with many people my age, I’m doing well and

I’m happy.”

A note from Cherie’s trainer, Mischa Merz, in Footscray, Victoria: “Cherie trains twice a week for an hour each session. When she first started training, skipping was her warm-up. Now, it’s the exercise bike.

Then she works out with the punching pads. Boxing training is great for strength, agility, balance, conditioning, core strength, and coordination, and it’s a mental workout. Cherie has a great work ethic and trains consistently, which is important. She’s more fit than many people half her age – she’s an inspiration.”