Marlen Esparza is an American boxer. In May 2012, she qualified to compete at the 2012 Olympics, becoming the first American woman to qualify for the Olympics in the first year that women’s boxing will be an Olympic event. She won the bronze medal in the women’s flyweight division at the 2012 Olympics in London.
Esparza graduated from Pasadena High School in Pasadena, Texas in 2007. Esparza won a bronze medal at the 2006 Women’s World Boxing Championship. Esparza has an endorsement deal with CoverGirl cosmetics. She also appeared in a Spanish language commercial for Coca-Cola, and on a commercial for McDonald’s. In addition, she contributes to animal rights group PETA and posed in an ad to urge the public to speak up for abused animals.
Esparza was the subject of Soledad O’Brien’s 2011 CNN documentary In Her Corner: Latino in America 2. She was the subject of an extensive profile in the June 2012 issue of The Atlantic which discusses in detail her childhood, education, and her intense commitment to competition and training.
Marlen Esparza Achievements
- 2014 USA BOXING NATIONAL CHAMPION
- 2013 USA BOXING NATIONAL CHAMPION
- 2012 OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALIST (First American female flyweight representative and medalist in the Olympics)
- 2011 NATIONAL CHAMPION
- 2010 NATIONAL CHAMPION
- 2009 NATIONAL CHAMPION
- 2008 NATIONAL CHAMPION
- 2007 NATIONAL CHAMPION
- 2006 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS BRONZE MEDALIST
- 2006 NATIONAL CHAMPION
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Marlen Esparza exceptionally talented American boxer. She is Olympic and World Championship Bronze Medalist. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
In 2001 You because of your father who was a big boxing fan, you grew up around boxing and wanted to try it out. You reached the pinnacle of success on being the first flyweight to represent the United States in the 2012 Olympic debut of women’s boxing and subsequently winning a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in London. What factors you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Marlen Esparza:
I listened to myself and told myself I was capable. I knew that in my heart I could do it, I knew that I was right about my feelings. People didn’t believe in me and made it clear, others believed but not with the same amount as believe as myself. I had doubts, not everyday was a easy one. Honestly I had more difficult days than easy days but I always asked myself “what does Marlen want?” and if I was put in a hard position I would chose the “lesser of two evils.”
When I was about 20 I received more support which helped me through, but I always knew that what my heart and mind always agreed that goals and dreams were not impossible. I just had to prove people wrong with my actions not my words. I learned to move from one failure to the next without losing my desire. It was always in my heart.
To keep that mindset I only surrounded myself with people who built up and agreed with my mindset. A small strong circle is better than a large weak chain.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
It is known that unlike most of the other boxers participating in the trials, you do not stay in the same accommodations as other boxers but choose to stay at another hotel, this help you in matches psychologically. Elaborate on this tactical strategy against your boxing opponents?
Ms. Marlen Esparza:
I always kept my distance from the time we were announced into the games. Friends became walls keeping me from my dreams and I felt it was best to separate myself. People would talk bad about me call me names ect… but I wanted them to know that I meant business. I felt if they would see me as often as they would see each other or talk to them, as they would with each other they would feel comfortable. I wanted everyone to be uncomfortable with me.
By staying under the radar and only showing up to compete I knew they would be wondering what Im doing. They had no clue how I was preparing but they knew I was ready and I was there to win. I would show up fight and leave for three years straight. It was all about getting them to think about me instead of themselves, I would win before we entered the ring. If that is or isn’t a big factor in why I will never know but I believe it was.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You grew up as a Catholic and began attending nondenominational church regularly. You use your headphones to listen to Christian hymns before your boxing matches. You pray before matches. Johnny Brady you pastor said a prayer for you: “Be with her, Lord, as You were with David when he beat Goliath.” before a crucial match. What role has “prayers” played in your success in competitive boxing and how do you experience presence of God?
Ms. Marlen Esparza:
Yes, my family was not church oriented growing up. When I was about 17 I decided to go to church on my own. I spent most of my life alone and even when I was with friends and family I still felt alone like something was missing. I met an older women at my moms job who invited me and I had wanted to go but never had confidence to just walk into a church. I took the opportunity as a sign.
I went every Sunday when in town. I felt at peace I felt like my imperfections were nothing to be ashamed of. I knew that I didn’t have to conform and that dreams put in my heart that I didn’t understand were meant to be. That first church closed down and in 2010 I met Pastor Brady. I’m far from perfect and use to believe that something was wrong with me because I was pushing against the world most of my life, it made me depressed at times.
IF it wasn’t for my relationship I made with God and the church I couldn’t have made it through. Now writing this I realize that I have strayed away from God just a bit and I can feel it. I moved to Colorado for training about 10 months ago and I still pray and talk to the Lord but I need to find a church to keep my relationship strong, so thank you for asking that question!
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Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Marlen Esparza:
I’m a cardio girl, that’s all I can share.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Marlen Esparza:
I just eat healthy because it makes me feel good during my workouts. I used to eat bad after a win but I stopped that. Now that I’m older I can’t afford to put my body through so many changes. Clean eating is key, no specific diet just clean eating and I LOVE juicing!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding boxing girls who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in field of women boxing ?
Ms. Marlen Esparza:
Respect yourself, don’t ever give up your morals or lose your soul to get ahead it’s a hard sport for women and I myself have been put in bad places and made bad many great decisions but respect yourself at all times. I hope I have paved the way a bit for the girls behind me but either way I want them to know that I’m not perfect, I have had doubts, I have fears, I don’t always have the answers, but what I do have is a heart telling me that it’s worth it, believe in yourself before anything and anyone else! your best is good enough, no matter what anyone says.
YOU ARE WORTHY AND DESERVING OF EVERYTHING YOU WANT! Dream big and go for it, if you think you can’t its only because you think you can’t. It’s all an illusion fed to us by the world we live in. You’re beautiful and capable don’t ever think anything different. YOU make YOU depend on YOU! I promise if you do that you will make it anywhere you want to. It’s not easy but you will love yourself for giving yourself the chance!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How did you feel before and after becoming the first American woman to qualify for the Olympics in the first year that women’s boxing will be an Olympic event. You won the bronze medal in the women’s flyweight division at the 2012 Olympics in London?
Ms. Marlen Esparza:
Before I was nerves I knew I had worked everyday to be there and I was ready, I wanted it so bad I couldn’t sleep my dream was at my finger tips but I also over thought a bit haha, after it all I was a bit disappointed and I felt I had let people down, I was my worst critic after that passed I was in bliss. I never told anyone but deep down I knew that I did more than win a bronze I made history.
You can break records but you can’t break history. I did more in the end than I could ever have dreamed of. I’m proud and always will be. Now all I need is my Gold medal just for me, this time it’s just for me, pure.
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Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Tell us about your endeavour of being the subject of Soledad O’Brien’s 2011 CNN documentary “In Her Corner: Latino in America 2” ?
Ms. Marlen Esparza:
Being a part of that documentary was one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. I learned to perform under a different kind of pressure. I learned a lot about the public and about myself. It’s something I’ll have forever and I met great people along the way. It was a blessing, a true blessing and I’m forever grateful.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have been associated with animal rights group PETA and posed in an ad to urge the public to speak up for abused animals, this has been dear to your heart, tell us how you have been able to achieve and quench your thirst of giving back to the society through this endeavor of your?
Ms. Marlen Esparza:
I feel that I have brought awareness but I’m not done yet I still have my goal to take care of but I have many many many ideas for animal rights that I plan to make happen. I have always had a love for animals and animal rights that will never change. When I’m in the best position possible I will move forward.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have done bold photo shoots. How you are so body confident and advice to your compatriots?
Ms. Marlen Esparza:
It’s funny because I don’t have a problem with my body but wouldn’t say I’m at all confident to do such a bold shoot like I did. I said no at first and realized after a lot of thought and research that I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and I am SO happy I did. You never know unless you try. I think its scary but love your body and if you don’t love your body love it anyway while you work for the one you want.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.net and message for its visitors?
Ms. Marlen Esparza:
I would just like to say thank you to all for taking the time to read this and I hope you got something out of my story. I know things are easier said than done but maybe you reading this is a sign that it’s your turn to be the best You. Why not? Love yourself and don’t let anything stop you, your time is now. There is no right time to do the right thing.
Go for it and I wish you all the best in your hopes and dreams. May your heart guide you, may God protect you, may your mentality stay strong, and I hope no matter who you are you know that you are worthy and deserving. Forgive yourself for waiting or for anything that you feel makes you unable and keep going. If you have a goal don’t stop. Make a plan and do it! Always with love and respect.
To know the latest about Marlen Esparza: Check her out at: https://twitter.com/Marlen112Boxing
Women Fitness Team thanks Marlen Esparza for giving her valuable time for this interview and quenching the thirst of her fans to know more about her and made this interview happen.
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All content on this site is copyright of Women Finess and no part of any article found on this site may be reproduced without an express permission and highlighted, do follow link crediting http://www.womenfitness.net/ or preferably the original page as the source. This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.