Interview with Austeja Auciute

Get closer to boxing professionals in our interview series and take on advice for your own training and goals.

Austeja Auciute has already had a brilliant career by the age of 21 and is most notably a Women’s Bronze medal holder and the 2016 Lithuanian lightweight national champion. Extremely admired in Ireland, she is now based in Lithuania competing in both European and International competitions.

Below, we spoke to Austeja about her training techniques, motivation and the mindset she enters every fight with to help her win.

Profile

• Name: Austeja Auciute
• Age: 21
• Location: Lithuania (boxed in Ireland for 10 years while living with family)
• Best career moment: Winning bronze at the 2011 Women’s World Youth and Junior Championships

Interview Questions

1. Tell us how you got into the sport and your journey from a beginner to fighting competitively.

My father first suggested for me to try out boxing. The next day I went to the local gym – Finn Valley Boxing Club – in Ballybofey Donegal and I’ve never missed a day since.

I started fighting in championships after a year of training. I began winning and couldn’t stop after that!

2. What kind of training do you do on a weekly basis?

I do morning and evening sessions. In the morning session, I usually concentrate on cardio, running and pads. For the evening session, it’s bag work, some strength and conditioning.

This changes depending on if there’s a competition coming up. If so, then it’s all speed work.

3. What inspires you to get into the ring and do you have a pre-fight routine?

My father died in a motor accident seven years ago. That’s my biggest motivation to keep going. Also to put my name on the map. Before fights, it’s just a relaxing time. I play chess with my coach!

4. How/what do you eat pre and post-competition to maintain your fitness level?

Before competitions, I cut down on food as I will need to make a certain weight.

After competitions, I eat a lot but only in small portions so I don’t add too much weight and keep in shape.

5. How do you prepare yourself for the highs of winning and the lows of defeat?

I get into the ring thinking about my own performance. There is no thought of winning or losing. I just focus on my own performance. If I perform nobody can stop me.

6. What have you learnt from boxing that you apply to other areas of your life?

I have learnt about discipline in boxing. How to behave like an athlete inside the gym and outside of it.

7. What’s your best piece of advice for anyone starting out in boxing, either for fitness or competitively?

My advice would be to never give up no matter how hard it gets, to stay mentally strong.

To keep updated, follow Austeja on Twitter here: @Austea1

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