Jannelle Ofrin, UCL Muay Thai Club
My name is Jannelle Ofrin, and I am part of the UCL Muay Thai Club. I was initially drawn to the club because of its benefits for both fitness and mental well-being, as well as the encouraging number of women in a sport often dominated by men! Over the past year, Muay Thai has given me more than just physical fitness - it has taught me mental toughness that I hadn’t experienced in other sports I played growing up. The sport is incredibly challenging, and competing in it has pushed me in ways I never expected.
I’ve been a consistent member of the society, attending nearly every training session, and I’m proud to have earned the Bloodline sponsorship. Whilst training, there have been times when I felt like I wasn’t improving, but the beauty of this sport lies not only in the discipline it teaches but also in the amazing community I’ve found. The people I’ve met through this sport are hardworking, disciplined, yet easy-going - qualities I strive to embody and am proud to surround myself by,
The atmosphere during Varsity, with the crowd and the adrenaline rush, is something you can only experience a handful of times. The competition against KCL makes it all the more exciting, and the prospect of victory feels even sweeter because of it. I’ve competed twice so far, and after watching Varsity last year and competing recently, I’m eager to step into the ring again and compete at Varsity this year.
The atmosphere during Varsity, with the crowd and the adrenaline rush, is something you can only experience a handful of times
Being involved in sports at UCL has had a tremendous impact on my university experience. While I initially joined Muay Thai for the structure and routine, the community and friendships I’ve gained have been an incredible bonus. I want to share this experience with others, especially first years who may find navigating university life overwhelming.
As for Varsity, I’m most excited to cheer on my fellow society members and see them put all their hard work into action. It’s an incredible feeling to be part of something so special and to share that excitement with everyone at UCL.
Get ready, KCL! We’re bringing our best to Varsity this year. I hope you’ve all trained hard because we definitely have!
