Teen Boxer Trains Twice Daily to Reach Olympic Dream

Brody Masterson wakes up at 5:30 every morning to train before school, then heads straight back to the gym after classes end. For the 17-year-old from Warragul, Victoria, boxing isn't just a sport—it's everything.

"It gives me motivation to live," Brody said. "At the moment, it's the only thing that really gets me going."

Brody left a turbulent home at age 15, but boxing had already planted roots in his life. He started at 10 years old, following in the footsteps of his great uncles who were also fighters.

The beginning was rough. Brody initially hated boxing "with a passion" and refused to go to the gym.

Then COVID lockdowns hit, and he realized how much he missed the rhythm of sparring. When gyms reopened, he committed fully and won his first match at 14.

Now with about 10 wins under his belt, Brody is a champion with his sights set higher. He's targeting the state titles this year, but his ultimate dream is the Olympics.

"I want to be in the top one percent," he said. "I just think about the future and trying to get better."

Why This Inspires

Paul Jenkins has coached young boxers for over three decades at the Moe Youth Club Boxing Gym. He's watched countless kids like Brody transform through the sport.

"Most will come from humble backgrounds," Jenkins said. Many never compete but leave with something more valuable: confidence, character, and self-belief.

When young people step into the gym and put on gloves, their problems fade as they focus on jabs and crosses. Jenkins has seen former students become successful tradespeople, homeowners, and parents.

Sport science professor Rochelle Eime says boxing provides an outlet from everyday stress. It connects young people with others and gives them a break from thinking about their troubles.

For Brody, boxing offers something even more concrete. "It gives me something to focus on, to stay away from a bad life," he said.

Training twice a day takes dedication, and Brody knows reaching the Olympics will require even more hard work and luck. But he's not looking backward anymore—only up toward the top of the podium.