How Canadian boxer Mary Spencer rolls with the punches

Age: 27
Sport: Boxing
Trains: 7 hours a day
Hometown: Wiarton, Ont.

Women's boxing finally has an Olympic ring to call its own as the sport makes its debut in London this summer. No stranger to firsts, three-time world champion Mary Spencer says she's going for gold.

Why this sport: "In an eight-minute fight, you see what you're made of. The fighter you are inside the ring is the fighter you are in everyday struggles outside it."

Top workout tip: "A person in motion stays in motion; a person at rest stays at rest. It's as simple as that. Get up, get going."

On throwing punches: "Boxing makes me feel more empowered on a daily basis."

So, is it hard to hit someone? "It’s a fight, but not in the literal sense. Two people agree to compete for the sport of it, so there’s no hard feelings."

In the zone: "I get a sense of comfort as soon as I step through the ropes. I feel at home; I start to relax."

Diet: "High-carb with post-workout protein."

Her motto: "'Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we do.' For me, the best learning experience is losing a fight. It's a chance to grow."

Her award-winning advice: "You can't get upset when things get tough or don't go your way. You've got to roll with the punches."

Get more fitness motivation from our Olympians here.