Albania's first female boxer - 19th February 2021

Elsidita Selaj is a boxer. She comes from Albania. She started boxing at 15 years old.

Most boxers in Albania are men. Selaj is the first woman boxer in Albania.

Selaj practised boxing after school. She went to the boxing gym every day. Her parents were worried about her. They didn't want their daughter to be a boxer.

Selaj needed a trainer. She met Jetmir Kuci. He is a boxing champion. Kuci trains Selaj. Selaj worked hard. She won medals in competitions. Selaj's parents were very pleased.

Ertan Kraja is a boxer too. He trains with Selaj. At first, Kraja didn't like this. But now, it is OK.

Kraja: "At first I was afraid to fight a girl, afraid to hit her too hard but after seeing Elsidita's strength, her training, I got used to it - it's like fighting a man."

Selaj wants to box at the Olympics. She feels excited. Boxing is her perfect sport.

Selaj: "In the beginning for me, boxing was an impossible love that I could never imagine, but now faced with the results, with my will to continue, I think that today boxing is a possible love that belongs entirely to me."