Boxing gives me courage and strength”

Julija Barnaševa, installation operator at Proton Engineering’s unit in Klaipeda, Lithuania, loves boxing. She trains two to three times a week. “Boxing gives you the courage to discover the world without fear.”

By Emma Ohliw / Photo Private

Alot of people think boxing is about attacking, but really it’s all about self-defence. Self-defence is also about much more than just defending yourself – it also gives you the courage to discover the world and try out new experiences without fear.

Julija tells us that there are many advantages to boxing, such as controlling your emotions, releasing stress and feeling better mentally. That also helps her outside the ring, both in her personal life and at work, which can involve stressful situations sometimes. The training itself is excellent full-body exercise, resulting in a good physique. When she has the opportunity, she also coaches children, which helps her to grow as a boxer and as an individual. In the gym and in the ring, there is a great mutual respect. Julia says they’re like one big family.

“Boxing has given me lots of new friends, from professional boxers to the doctors on site to the parents of the children I coach.”

You mentioned other interests, can you tell us about them?

“I recently got a beautician’s licence to express my more creative side. I think it’s so much fun when I cut people’s hair and they’re happy with their new styles. And I’ve always wanted to learn to play instruments, especially the saxophone and piano, so I hope to be able to learn soon.

And finally, what’s it like working at Proton?

“The best thing about Proton is that we’re a team, a family – just like in the boxing ring.