In the heart of Springs is a 22-year-old boxer whose journey into the sport began as a way to stand up to bullying and has since grown into something much greater.

Geanné Dicks has become a confident and courageous boxer who has competed nationally and hopes to inspire other women to take up space.

“I want girls who have been bullied or who don’t believe in themselves to see my journey and realise that what happens to you doesn’t have to determine who you become,” Geanné said.

Geanné started boxing at 12 years old as a way to become stronger and stand up for herself.

“Being bullied affected my confidence and the way I saw myself. I started boxing at Bert Collins Boxing Club and as I continued training, I realised that boxing was about much more than fighting.

“It taught me discipline, confidence, determination and how to keep going even when things are difficult. I never imagined at the time that it would become such a big part of my life,” she said.

She added that the sport also challenged her physically and mentally, eventually becoming a part of who she is.

Earlier this year, she represented her club at the SA Champs and reflected on the moments that stood out to her.

“Competing at the South African Championships was a very special experience for me; it was an opportunity to test myself against some of the best boxers in the country and to see how far I had come.

“What stands out most is knowing how much work went into getting there. When you train every day, you sometimes don’t realise how much you are improving.

She added that the experience allowed her to appreciate her growth and development.

” It made me look back at the girl who started boxing at 12 because she was being bullied and realise how far I’ve come,” she said proudly.

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Geanné said training for the championships required discipline and commitment.

“I had to work on my technique, fitness, speed, strength and mental preparation. There were days when I was tired or didn’t feel like training, but I had to remind myself what I was working towards.

“The preparation taught me that success doesn’t happen overnight; it comes from consistently putting in the work even on the days when nobody is watching,” Geanné said.

She said being in a traditionally male-dominated sport has its challenges but can also be empowering.

“I have had to learn to believe in myself and not worry about whether people think I belong in the sport. I belong there because I work hard, I train hard and I love what I do.

“For me, being a woman in boxing isn’t about trying to be like a man. It’s about proving that women can be strong, determined and competitive while still being themselves,” she said.

Geanné’s support system has been an important part of her boxing journey.

“My father passed away during my matric year. I would not be where I am today without my grandmother Jeanette Dyzel.

“My coaches, family, teammates and the people who have believed in me have all played a role in helping me get where I am today,” she said.

Her ambitions include improving and competing at the highest level.

“Ultimately, I would love to achieve great things in boxing and hopefully inspire other young girls who may be going through difficult situations.

“Boxing is one of the things that has helped me find strength, confidence and purpose. I want to keep building on that and see just how far I can go,” Geanné concluded.

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