Round by Round

Valerian Spicer had something to prove. Not to others, but to herself. This is the story of a woman who at age 30 found herself in a rut and decided to dedicate herself to boxing. Within two years, she was an English champion. Within four years, she'd quit her office job and was flying around the world, competing at tournaments, beating some of the best boxers of the era. Learning of Valerian's rise in the sport, it becomes clear that hers is not your typical boxing story. It's not the story of a troubled or misguided youngster from the wrong side of the tracks who's saved by the discipline and purpose that boxing offers. Her story is that of an unfulfilled office worker who finds herself at a crossroads and chooses to walk the path less travelled. Not wanting to die with the music in her, she changes course and transforms into an elite athlete. The lesson to draw from her example, as psychologist Andy Cole sums up neatly at the end of each chapter, is: If you have a dream and hold true to your vision, it doesn't matter who you are or where you begin. Whatever it may be, big or small, sporting or otherwise, you can make progress and turn your life around.