Athlete of the Month
Jelena Mrdjenovich
I’ve stared at this blank page for a really long time because I could find no words to express how phenomenal it was to have had the chance to interview our July athlete.
The world of boxing is known to be a male dominant sport but every year the women are proving their strength and they are becoming the ones to watch. I’ve had the absolute pleasure of introducing you to our July athlete of the month, 8 time world champion boxer Jelena Mrdjenovich.
WD: In the world of boxing, people already know your name. Thank you so much for being a part of The Edmonton Muse and I know people want to know more about you. I know I do. Let’s go back to the very beginning. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what got you started with boxing?
JM: I started boxing almost by mistake. I was at the U of A playing basketball and tore my ACL, throughout my rehab I was looking for something to help get me back in shape. One night my dad and I were watching boxing on TV and I had mentioned that I didnt think that it was that tough, to which my Dad responded, "I bet you, you couldn't do it". I took this as a challenge and that very week I walked into a boxing gym and the rest is history!
WD: Do you mainly train in Edmonton?
JM: I have trained in Edmonton for almost the majority of my career, with the exception of one training camp, which I did in Las Vegas.
WD: How long have you been competing?
JM: I have been in the professional game since 2003.
WD: Wow so quite a long time. What is one of the most challenging things you face today when it comes to prepping for a competition?
JM: One of the most challenging things is balancing life. Being a female athlete is tough financially to train full time so finding the time to balance work/life/training commitments takes skill.