Hometown: Houston, Texas
Resides in: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Birthdate: July 29, 1989
Height: 5-2
Occupation: Boxer and public speaker
Began boxing: In 2001, because my dad was a big boxing fan so she grew up around it and wanted to try it out. I was given the choice to take dance or box and chose boxing.
Most memorable career achievement: Being the first flyweight to represent the United States in the 2012 Olympic debut of women’s boxing and subsequently winning a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in London.
Biggest inspiration: God, who has taught me how to center myself and be the best person I can be for myself and everyone around me.
Greatest asset in the ring: My attitude
If I wasn't boxing, I would be: In school full-time
Biggest motivation: Winning a gold medal at the 2016 Olympic Games
Did you know?
- She is scared of rubber bands
- She sleeps with teddy bears
- She hates eggs
- She is a horrible singer
- In high school, she was her Student Body President and graduated in the top 2% of her class
2014 WORLD CHAMPION
2014 PAN AMERICAN OLYMPIC FESTIVAL CHAMPION
2014 USA BOXING NATIONAL CHAMPION
2013 USA BOXING NATIONAL CHAMPION
2012 OLYMPIC BRONZE MEDALIST (first American female flyweight representative and medalist in the Olympics)
2006-2011 NATIONAL CHAMPION
2006 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS BRONZE MEDALIST
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The 22 Sports And Events Where Team USA Won Its First Olympic Gold Medals This Decade
Peggy Shinn Dec. 24, 2019
See which U.S. performances from the 2010s will go down in history for being the first.
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Red, White & Trending: June 1-7
Jamie MacDonald June 08, 2018
Young Team USA tennis stars Madison Keys and Sloane Stephens are quick to post after a high-profile French Open showdown; Mikaela Shiffrin juggles VIP soccer and motocross visits; Simone Biles has competing on her mind and Lindsey Vonn is loving it; Laurie Hernandez fights the beam and the bugs; Michael Phelps makes his own history on the golf course; Mia Manganello and Marlen Esparza share wedding albums; Alex Naddour shares baby No. 2 pics; Katie Ledecky shows off a throwback hockey look and Andy Newell simply shows off
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Marlen Esparza: "I Want To Be The Best"
Aug. 03, 2016
Boxer Marlen Esparza has an Olympic bronze medal to her name, but she still wants more.
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Marlen Esparza: "The Only Punches That Hurt Are The Ones You Don't See"
Aug. 01, 2016
The bronze medalist has learned to adjust on the fly and keep her composure when she's not at her best.
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Marlen Esparza: "I Know What It Takes"
July 08, 2016
The bronze-medal boxer knows the importance of fueling her body with the proper nutrition.
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Marlen Esparza: "I Have To Get Ready Like It's A Date"
July 06, 2016
The 2012 Olympic bronze medalist discusses her pre-fight routine and why it's so important to her success.
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Marlen Esparza: "That's When I Get Really Good"
July 05, 2016
The 2012 Olympic bronze medalist gets the most out of herself when facing the toughest competitors.
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Marlen Esparza: Eating For Function And Flavor
June 10, 2016
The Olympic boxer knows the importance of a good diet, but also ensuring the food is flavorful and fun.
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Marlen Esparza: "It's A Mental Game"
June 08, 2016
By visualizing her opponents and their moves during training, Esparza stays a step ahead of her competition.
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How Marlen Esparza Stays So Disciplined
June 06, 2016
Esparza explains the importance of structure and eating well.