“In school, I would struggle to run

because I suffered from sinusitis and asthma. It was hard for me to breathe and I would often have to be hooked up to a nebuliser. I competed in a cross-country run and ended up as red as a beetroot and gasping for air. I was disappointed with how I’d gone, so I’d go on runs with my dad every morning to try to improve. I enjoyed the time with my dad. He was there to coach how I was breathing and it improved my sinuses and asthma immensely. After a few years, I got first place in the same run – it was the moment that fitness and passion clicked. I proved to myself that no matter your excuse, health issue or adversity, with the right support and mindset, hard work can achieve anything. I turned a weakness into a strength and running is still a crucial element in my boxing training today and a catalyst for my success in other areas. Up until recently, I probably struggled to listen to my body and to have patience. I used to burn the candle at both ends. I was always doing yang activities as opposed to balancing them with the yin, and this can lead to physical and mental exhaustion. Rest is an important part of fitness. Now I put as much effort into that part of my fitness regimen – rest, magnesium powder, electrolytes, Epsom baths, eating a balanced diet – as I do my actual fitness performance.” LAURYN EAGLE, pro boxer and former world-champion waterskier