ROUTE TO WELLTH
Boxer and 2020 Strictly contestant Nicola Adams
October is Black History Month, so what better time to hear from history-maker Nicola Adams. Not only is she the only female boxer in the sport’s history to be European, Commonwealth, World and Olympic champion, she’s now one half of the first same-sex Strictly couple. Here’s how she stays strong in body and mind
MOVE
I work out every day. My sessions begin with cardio, usually interval sprints, then it’s on to strength – squats, bench presses and pull-ups are my go-to moves. I leave my favourite bit until last: arms. I’ll exercise with heavy weights and fewer reps on one day, then use lighter weights with more reps on the next. I still box occasionally, too.
REST
I enjoy exercise way more than I did when I was competing, when I used to train three times a day. Doing one workout a day without a coach shouting at me feels like a treat. I’ll still push myself hard, but it’s a relief when I remember that I can take a break. I guess it’s also because I get to have a normal life now I’m not a pro athlete; I no longer have to miss birthdays, weddings, christenings or nights out clubbing.
RECOGNISE
The first time my partner Ella [Baig,
21] and I really considered that we were an ‘interracial’ couple was when a woman commented on a picture of us on social media saying she was proud of us for being one. We just feel like two ordinary people. That said, as a Black woman, I know I’m treated differently – subtle things, like people moving their handbags away from me or security guards following me around shops.
FIGHT
I’ve become resilient to the homophobic and racist comments I get online – I’ll block people rather than reply. But recently, Ella [who has also been subjected to online bullying] and I decided to fight back, because maybe there are people out there who aren’t able to cope with these sorts of messages; people who might find it comforting to know that even though I’m an Olympic champion, people still say horrible things to me. We released a video in June on Tiktok where we talked about how much these words can hurt and how we all need to be kinder. I had no idea it would resonate so much and go viral.
FUEL
When I was training as an athlete, my eating regime was very heavy on meat. I needed the protein for strength. But my diet is now mainly plant-based – a year ago I made the switch because I felt it would be healthier for me, and I realised I could still get lots of protein from plants. I drink Alpro oat milk* in a smoothie with spinach, berries, chia seeds and protein powder for breakfast. I’ll enjoy teriyaki tofu with fried rice or Szechuan tofu in a stir-fry for lunch or dinner. I’ve been surprised by how good I feel – I have lots of energy and my skin has cleared up.
REFLECT
The decision to retire from pro boxing in November 2019 [after being warned that any further impact to her eye would likely lead to permanent vision loss] was tough. While I was only going to have two or three fights anyway, it was frustrating that my career didn’t end on my terms.
But now I’m at peace with the fact that I’ll never be back in the ring in the same way again. I’ve been a world champion – so couldn’t have asked to achieve much more. It was my time to go.
BELIEVE
When I started in the ring, women’s boxing wasn’t an Olympic sport. To be part of that change [it became recognised at London 2012] and reach the top felt incredible. That year, when I won my first Olympic gold medal, I remember standing on the podium and thinking: ‘This is what all the hard work was for. The blood, sweat and tears, the injuries – it’s all been for this moment.’ There was a spike in girls starting to box after that, which blew me away. It felt so good knowing that those who come after me won’t have to fight as hard to be seen in this incredible and empowering sport.