In a striking departure from her roles in The White Lotus and Euphoria, Sydney Sweeney has undergone a significant physical transformation for her latest project. The actress is set to portray legendary boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic, a role that required her to dramatically alter her physique.
“My body was completely different,” Sweeney revealed in an interview with W magazine. “I didn’t fit in any of my clothes. I’m usually a size 23 in jeans, and I was wearing a size 27. My boobs got bigger. And my butt got huge,” she described, noting the unexpected changes. “It was crazy! I was like, ‘Oh my God.’ But it was amazing: I was so strong, like crazy strong.”
The Rigorous Training Regimen
Sweeney’s transformation was not just a cosmetic change but a testament to her dedication to the role. She embraced an intense training schedule to embody the spirit and strength of Christy Martin, who boasts an impressive boxing record of 49 wins, with only seven losses and three draws.
“I loved it,” Sweeney said of the rigorous preparation. “I came onboard to play Christy, and I had about three and a half months of training. I started eating. I weight-trained in the morning for an hour, kickboxed midday for about two hours, and then weight-trained again at night for an hour.”
A Background in Sports
Sweeney’s affinity for physical activity is not new. “My mom told me from a very young age to fall in love with as many things as possible,” she shared. “And so I did fall in love, again and again: I love sports. I love being outside. I was on the ski team, and I wakeboarded. I slalom ski on water. I was on the soccer team and the softball team. And then my parents got me into grappling, which is like wrestling, and kickboxing. I was the only girl at the dojo. I trained there from 13 until about 19. I fought all guys. I liked to think that if s— went down, I might be able to step up.”
Christy Martin’s Inspiring Story
The film not only focuses on Martin’s accomplishments in the ring but also delves into her personal struggles. After marrying her coach, Jim Martin, in 1991, she faced a harrowing experience when he attempted to murder her in 2010. Jim Martin was later convicted of attempted second-degree murder in 2012. Despite these challenges, Christy Martin found love again with former boxing rival Lisa Holewyne.
“I am proud of the transformation and the work I’ve poured into it,” Sweeney stated, reflecting on her journey.
Public Reaction and Personal Resilience
Sweeney’s physical transformation did not go unnoticed by the public, with some making harsh comments about her appearance. Critics accused her of looking “quite frumpy” and having “a horrible body.” In response, Sweeney posted a video showcasing her strength, lifting weights, and training in the ring, demonstrating her resilience and dedication.
Looking Ahead
This role marks a significant step in Sweeney’s career, showcasing her versatility and commitment as an actress. The film promises to deliver not only a compelling sports narrative but also an inspiring story of personal triumph.
As Sweeney continues to push boundaries in her acting career, audiences eagerly await the release of the biopic, which promises to be a powerful portrayal of a boxing legend’s life both inside and outside the ring.
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