Claressa Shields is one of the most decorated female boxers ever. She’s a two-time Olympic gold medalist and is the only boxer — male or female — to hold undisputed titles in three separate divisions. She’s also currently undefeated. 

But for Claressa to climb to the top, she had to face her toughest opponent yet: her past. This week, we relive Claressa’s historic journey to her first Olympics, learn how she finally let go of resentment, and find out what it takes to become a champion. 

We’ll also check in with Andreas Hale, a combat sports reporter at ESPN. With Floyd Mayweather’s recent announcement that he’s coming out of retirement, Andreas helps answer the question: How old is too old to compete?

Show Notes

Show Credits

Host: David Greene

Executive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom Grahsler

Senior Producer: Michael Olcott

Producer: Michaela Winberg

Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa

Talent Booker: Britt Kahn

Engineer: Mike Villers, Adam Staniszewski 

Tile Art: Bea Walling

Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.