Fijian boxer Jasmine Daunakamakama loves the thrill of getting into the ring.
"When I step into the ring, I feel this sensation of excitement," Daunakamakama said.
"I also find peace in knowing that I trained hard for that moment."
After training seriously for about five years, the 18-year-old recently had her first professional fight in the super lightweight category.
She was up against another young opponent, Mere Kolitapa, and the pair are showing Fiji that this sport is for women too.
"Female boxing is underestimated in Fiji and [boxing] is regarded as a man's sport," Daunakamakama said.
"I find that people misunderstand it as a raging violent activity, but there is more to it, like technique, discipline, and creativity."
That night, the pair brought the house down. It was a big step in convincing the crowd that women can box too.
Convincing a country
In Fiji, Daunakamakama is among a handful of female boxers, which makes it difficult to get time in the ring.
"It is very challenging to find competition here in Fiji because of the small number of female fighters," she said.
"So far, I've only had one proper fight and three exhibitions."
She often encounters people who believe women can't box, but remains determined to change their minds.
Janelle Wong promotes boxing in Fiji and says encouraging female inclusion is a struggle.
"There is a great opportunity for the women in this sport, as there has never been a female boxer to represent Fiji at any international event," Wong said.
It's something Daunakamakama has been striving for, from a very young age.
The value of family support
Daunakamakama's grandfather was a well-known amateur boxer in Fiji, and her father, who is now one of her coaches, introduced her to the sport at nine years old.
Since then, she has trained with internationally renowned coaches in the Federated States of Micronesia and with prominent local boxer and trainer, Joseph Kwadjo.
Daunakamakama credits her family for their unwavering support, and for the encouragement she needs in the ring.
"The amount of support I receive from my friends and family is incredible," she said.
"I'm so thankful."
Daunakamakama says her father plays a vital role as coach, putting together a rigorous training regimen so she can get ahead.
That includes weight training, running, heavy bag workouts and sparring.
"My dad and I train three times a week early in the morning, working on power and endurance," Daunakamakama said.
The teenager does her schooling via correspondence, which helps give her flexibility, and works part-time at a gym.
But it's sometimes a struggle to fit everything in.
"I find it very challenging to balance everything effortlessly," she said.
Amidst her busy schedule, Daunakamakama has a strong faith, in which she finds strength, solace and inspiration to overcome challenges.
Empowering the next generation
The Boxing Commission of Fiji (BCF) says it wants to grow the sport for women.
According to its chair, Subhash Appana, BCF is focusing its efforts at club level, to get more women into the sport.
BCF also says it faces a significant challenge due to lack of financial support, but it's determined to have female boxers in every category at every event it hosts this year.
"BCF has mandated that every boxing program in Fiji should have at least one female bout," Appana said.
Daunakamakama hopes what she's doing too, will inspire women of all ages to join the sport.
She not only wants to encourage people to feel how she does when she steps into the ring, but to cultivate an overall healthier culture.
The teenager thinks Fiji has huge potential in the sport, but women need to make a commitment.
"We just need to promote healthier eating and sustainable training habits," she said.
Daunakamakama could be called a trailblazer, and with her dedication and spirit, there's no denying she could become a world champion.
Loata Waqanivavalagi is a freelance journalist and marketing executive in Fiji. She is also a former communications and marketing officer at FIBA Fiji.
She is a part of ABC International Development's Women in News and Sport Initiative, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through the Team Up program.
