Going for a run at 5am, hitting the gym at 3pm, doing a 2 hour boxing class at 7pm – anyone would be forgiven for thinking this routine takes up all of Caitlin Andrew’s time, but this is not the case. Alongside her training, Caitlin also manages to fit in her studies at West College Scotland, two placements in a primary school and a part-time job, as well as any competitions which she is eligible to take part in.

Eighteen year old Caitlin, who studies Level 4 Coaching and Developing Sport, is a highly-motivated individual who has always had a keen interest in sports and fitness. A ligament injury in 2015 stopped Caitlin playing football and left her unable to exercise as much as she had done previously. Undeterred, Caitlin decided to take up boxing in order to regain some of her strength and fitness. Picking up the basics really quickly, Caitlin not only enjoyed boxing, but proved to herself and others that she was a natural. She stuck at it and trained hard and, exactly one year later, won her first fight.

Fast-forward three years, and Caitlin is now the Scottish Boxing Champion. Gaining this title in December was an exciting time for Caitlin, and she is delighted to be recognised in a sport which she has such a passion for. Caitlin admits that she could not have got as far as she has without the support of the team at Planet Fitness in Dalmuir and her teachers and peers at West College Scotland. But it is her big sister, Margaret Tosh, who is Caitlin’s biggest inspiration, as well as her number one fan. Margaret is also a boxer and is the club title holder. Caitlin admits that, without Margaret’s backing and encouragement, she wouldn’t be where she is today.

Working towards a qualification in Coaching and Developing Sport has built Caitlin’s confidence massively, one of the qualities which has allowed her to excel in the boxing world. Caitlin’s studies have also kept her fit and active, which has undoubtedly helped her boxing career. Describing her course as “really enjoyable”, Caitlin explains that it offers the chance to “always be doing something different”. Being pushed out of her comfort zone when doing a placement at a local primary school has been a high point for Caitlin, and her efforts have been rewarded by being asked to undertake an additional placement every Thursday.

With the aim of becoming a professional boxer and a PE teacher, Caitlin is doing all the right things and networking with all the right people. We wish her the best of luck in her studies and her boxing career, and look forward to seeing her compete again soon.

In order to find out more about, or to apply for, our Sports and Coaching Development courses, click here.

Header image: Caitlin after her December win
Footer image: Caitlin with Gary Robb from Planet Fitness and her sister, Margaret Tosh