[Self-doubt] definitely comes with you. You’ve got it with you. But how much voice you give you it or how much space you give it under the circumstances determines how much strength it has in what’s happening in the ring. Muay Thai may, on the surface, appear to have nothing in common with endurance sports, but you might be surprised… I was certainly was when I spoke with Sylvie von Duuglas-Ittu for this week’s episode of Sparta Chicks Radio. Sylvie is an American born woman living in Thailand who currently holds the record for the most number of Muay Thai fights by any Westerner - male or female - which (at the time of writing) stands at 241.

And, much to my surprise, she’s been a long-time listener of Sparta Chicks Radio too! Sylvie’s very proud husband Kevin emailed me. He mentioned that Sylvie was always talking about the podcast and so he (unbeknownst to Sylvie) emailed me and put her name forward because he thought she’d be a fantastic guest - and he was right! Since taking up what she describes as a “beautiful sport” in New York, Sylvie and Kevin have since moved to Thailand so Sylvie can pursue the sport on a full-time basis, and chase her next goal; the World Record for the most number of professional fights. This record of 471 fights has stood since the 1920s! Now I am the first to admit I’m not into any form of martial arts. At. All. It is honestly one of the few sports I struggle to appreciate, never mind watch. And while I’m still not a fan, I certainly have a greater appreciation for it after speaking to Sylvie.