Kenyan boxer Amina Martha, survivor of abusive home, pursues Olympics qualification

Kenyan boxer Amina Martha is on a mission to secure qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics as she competes in the Africa Olympic Qualifier from September 9 to 15.

Her journey to boxing began at the age of 26 when she sought solace and healing from years of domestic abuse.

Amina Martha hardship

Martha’s early life was marked by violence and hardship, growing up in a tumultuous and abusive family.

Boxing became her refuge, a place to release the pent-up tension and frustration that had haunted her for years. It provided her with a sense of peace and empowerment that had eluded her for so long.

“I grew up in a violent and broken family. It was terrible,” Martha told Olympics.com.

“I had the roughest life as a young girl. Until I found boxing… I was able to release all the tension and frustrations I have held on for most of my life. I felt lighter and better after each training session.

“I had a rough life. My life was so violent. I grew up seeing my mum being beaten and abused constantly…by my dad. My siblings and I were not spared either, he would beat us up all the time. Despite having enough to lead decent lives, we would be denied basic things and struggled most of the time,” she said.

“Mum hustled to see us through school despite not having a job or steady business. We saw how much she struggled to raise us, and it forced us to start working at a young age,” 

Despite facing adversity, Martha excelled in various sports during her youth, including athletics, football, and more. Her sports abilities offered a brief respite from the challenges of her home life.

At the age of 10, Martha’s mother summoned the courage to leave their abusive household, providing her children with a chance at a better life. Her mother’s relentless determination and hard work inspired Martha to persevere.

During her high school years, Martha took on a part-time job as a house help to support her family and contribute to her education. She later secured a university education, studying journalism, thanks to a government bursary and part-time work as a hairdresser.

“While in high school, I worked as a house help just to get money to supplement her income. I’d wake up very early in the morning, go to work, get back home and get ready for school, and in the evening as well. After school, I’d go back to finish up cleaning and cooking for my employer. That’s how I raised part of my school fees and also helped with buying food at home.”

In 2019, a neighbor introduced Martha to boxing, and she quickly fell in love with the sport. Boxing allowed her to release her pain and mental stress, providing a sense of relief and empowerment. It marked the beginning of her journey as a boxer.

“I fell in love with boxing the first time I did the pad works,” she said referring to the use of boxing gloves and pads.

“The more I punched, I was able to release all the tension and frustrations I have been holding to for most of my life. I felt better and lighter after each training session.”

Martha’s dedication and training paid off, and she overcame her first career loss through hard work and determination.

The COVID-19 pandemic further fueled her commitment to the sport as she trained rigorously and progressed steadily.

“The pandemic turned out to be my breakthrough as a boxer, as I would train twice, mostly solo. I did this for nearly two years,” she added.

“Then at the end of 2021, I went for the national team selection. I overcame the opponents who I had previously lost to and was also named the best female boxer of that year.”

Amina Martha solace

“After my tough start to life, I always imagine that someone out there is going through the same trauma,” Martha said. “Thanks to boxing, I found an outlet to channel my anger, anxiety…That’s why I began sharing messages of encouragement on my social media. I am thinking of that person who feels alone, and they can relate to some of them.

“I am an introvert, but with boxing I gained some unexplained courage. I began addressing crowds, something the old me would never do. I became courageous. It also boosted my self-esteem.”

“Boxing has been a blessing in my life. In 2021 a lot of people unfortunately lost their jobs, but I acquired new skills and made the national team. I have mastered the exercises I learned over the years and now do personal training. I trained in massage and I also do art.”

Now, Martha is preparing for the Africa Boxing Olympic Qualifier, aiming to secure her spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She views this as the next step in her remarkable journey, one driven by her passion for boxing and her desire to achieve her goals.

Outside of boxing, Martha has honed her skills as a masseuse and an artist. Her paintings, mainly focused on women, serve as a means of expression and empowerment for herself and others.

“I call myself magic hands… these hands do a lot,” she said, laughing. “I am indeed blessed.

“My paintings are mainly of women… I feel women are afraid to face issues. They have pent-up emotions, and I encourage them through my work to express themselves. It also has something to do work my mum. Her life has been a huge inspiration for my painting.”

Martha is determined to inspire others as she pursues her dream of competing on the Olympic stage.