Rock Solid: Q&A with Wicklow’s Champion Boxer, Kaci Rock

February 29, 2024

Meet Wicklow’s rising star Kaci Rock, a force to be reckoned within the world of boxing and a proud member of Enniskerry BC. Kaci embodies the spirit of a true champion, consistently pushing boundaries and setting new standards of excellence. Her journey as a Team Ireland Boxer has taken her to remarkable heights, where she has showcased her abilities on both national and international stages. Boasting an impressive resume, Kaci stands as a seven-time National Champion, Elite Champion, and European Bronze Medallist.

Kaci put down the boxing gloves for one day and joined us for a quick Q&A as we celebrate inspiring Wicklow Women for Women In Sport Week.

What inspired you to start playing your sport?

My dad was a professional boxer, I grew up watching him train every day and I decided I wanted to do it too. Female boxing wasn’t a common thing back then so it took a lot of convincing for my mum and dad to actually let me start in the local club.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement in your sporting career that you’re particularly proud of?

I think my most memorable achievement would probably be winning my first Irish Title. I was only 12 years old. I had 3 fights to make it to the final and I was determined to get the win. My opponent in the final had beaten me 3 weeks beforehand in the Leinster Championship so there was added pressure to go out and win this time around. I went out and won all 3 rounds comfortably and had my hand raised for the first time as Champion of Ireland. That was a moment I’ll never forget.

How do you balance the demands of training and competitions with other aspects of your life?

It is extremely hard to balance daily life alongside the demands of training and competitions. As an Elite International Boxer, we train 2-3 times a day, 6 days a week and when we’re not training, we’re focusing on the proper recovery needed to fuel our bodies for the next session. I sit down on a Sunday evening and plan my week out in a journal. I write down all the key things I have to do this week and I find that the easiest way to balance my training schedule with my day-to-day life.

How has being a female athlete impacted your perspective on gender equality in sports?

I think being a female athlete in this generation is great! There are so many opportunities for females to participate in sports. When I started boxing in 2008 there were very few female boxers, I would always have to spar with boys, and often fight them too. There was no women’s boxing in the Olympics either at that time – but now there are so many amazing opportunities for female boxers around the world. The level of women’s boxing is certainly on the rise too, based on Irish statistics in this Olympic cycle the Irish Women’s Boxing Team has had a higher success rate than the Men’s.

Who is your role model in sports, and how have they influenced your approach to your athletic career?

Katie Taylor is definitely my role model in sports. I’ve always looked up to Katie. I used to train alongside her in Bray and she always had a great time for all of the kids in the club, she was so generous – she actually gave me all of my first boxing equipment including gloves, boots, kit, skipping rope, head guard, gumshield and hand wraps.

Katie paved the way for women’s boxing and if it weren’t for her I don’t think I’d be where I am today in regards to boxing.

What is your favourite pre-game ritual or routine that helps you prepare mentally and physically?

I like to keep my mind occupied so I don’t overthink the fight. If I’m at home I’ll go for a walk with my mum and we’ll chat about everything apart from the fight. If I’m abroad I’ll put my earphones in and take a stroll listening to some feel-good songs.

What’s your go-to pump-up song before a big game or competition?

Live Your Life – Rihanna

Outside of training and competition, what are your favourite hobbies or activities?

I love spending time with my family because I often don’t get to see them for long periods of time when I’m away at training camps or tournaments. We usually take our dog for a walk up the mountains.

Can you describe a challenge you’ve faced in your sports career and how you overcame it?

I had a year full of highs in boxing where I had so many amazing opportunities and got to travel to so many different places doing what I love, improving and learning so much in the process. I lost in a competition and all of a sudden I no longer had these opportunities anymore. I continued to train and compete but my head was just not in the right place, I was struggling big time and this was being reflected in my performances. I decided to focus on myself and focus on what was important- my well-being.

I took a small break away from the sport, only a month or two and enjoyed my life as a normal 20-year-old girl. When I returned to boxing, I was in a much better frame of mind and I was enjoying my training again. Sometimes you can get too caught up in something and it drags you down, you can’t see beyond it. Taking that small break away from it was the best thing I ever did and if I ever felt that way again I wouldn’t hesitate to do the same thing again.

What advice do you have for young girls aspiring to become athletes in your sport?

Never give up! Rome wasn’t built in a day and champions aren’t made overnight. If you want something you have to work for it, but it all takes time so don’t be too hard on yourself. Everything is possible and if you keep working and keep trying you will succeed.

If you could compete or train with any athlete, past or present, who would it be and why?

I’d love to train with Tyson Fury, he’s my favourite boxer and he seems like great fun! He has a positive mindset in his training camps and always has a smile on his face. I think we could all take a leaf out of his book and not take life too seriously!

If you could have a superpower to enhance your performance in your sport, what would it be and why?

I’d love to have super speed so I could throw the punches so fast that my opponent wouldn’t see them. I’d have fast movements as well to avoid taking the punches from the opponent. It would be great, but unfortunately, I’ll just have to keep trying to improve my speed