Amyboxescleverahead of world title challenge
SINCE taking up Thai Boxing aged just 12, Amy Pirnie has taken on some of the best in the world.
The 23-year-old, from Dalmarnock, has represented Scotland across the world and notched up an impressive 13 wins since turning pro. Her achievements include an ISKA International belt, an invitation to compete for a world title in May, not to mention a double-page feature in the Evening Times in 2009.
Having dedicated her teenage years and early 20s to the sport, she is now reaping the benefits.
“I won British titles as a kid – at 15 and 16 I represented Scotland at the IFMA (amateur) World Championship. Both years I brought home gold”, she explains.
“At the 2008 Busan Games I was one of the first people to bring home two gold medals at the one event over the junior and adult category in my weight class. I also won the best female junior prospect of the competition that year.”
Behind her success is Amy’s drive to be the best she can possibly be, which means dedicating almost every second to training.
Instructor and Scotland team coach Rab Izat has trained Amy since she joined the Phoenix Thai Boxing Club at Halfway Recreational Centre, Cambuslang, in 2005.
As well as taking part in the sport, the 23-year-old completed a degree and is now embarking on a career as a Sports Therapist.
As part of her training schedule, Amy undergoes a similar regime as athletes in Thailand.
Last month, she travelled to the country for three weeks, living like her Thai counterparts, training twice a day, upping her fitness and learning inside tricks.
At home, a typical day involves waking up at 4.45am for running and training sessions.
She says: “I train before work, I train every evening after work and most days I train in between too.
“I get so much satisfaction from it because I’m getting fitter stronger faster and each time I train. I’m one step closer to my goals.”
Three days a week, Amy trains strength and conditioning, the other two involve interval training. She will head to the gym in the evenings for a few hours, while weekends involve sparring on a Saturday before finally getting a bit of rest on a Sunday.
But the hard work has paid off with a host of achievements.
Amy says: “Throughout my 12 years in the sport there have been loads of ups and downs, having both success and failure. I am happy with all of my achievements so far and each one is important.
“I am fighting on Yokkao 24 in Bolton this month, against a tough opponent Dakota Ditcheva. I am more than ready for the challenge.
“Following that I will compete for my first pro world title under the ISKA federation. This will take place in Paisley Lagoon at Ultimate Muay Thai 4 event on May 13 against an experienced Spanish opponent.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my sponsors at Yokkao for their continued support, to my fantastic coach Rab Izat, my training partners at Inferno and Team Braveheart, Craig Cameron at Relentless Strength, Kat Russell at Sports Life Work, Ross Lockhart of Lockhart Travel and my mum, dad, Lauren and Kayleigh and family.”