Sydney Sweeney, the 27-year-old actress known for her breakout role in Euphoria, is taking on one of the most challenging roles of her career: portraying American boxing pioneer Christy Martin in an upcoming film set to release this fall. In preparation for the part, Sweeney underwent an intense physical transformation, combining strict training routines with a revamped diet to build muscle and gain the strength needed to authentically embody the legendary fighter.
Becoming Christy Martin
Christy Martin, now 56, is a trailblazer in women’s boxing. She was the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1996 and became the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020. Beyond her athletic achievements, Martin also survived a brutal attack by her husband, adding even more depth to her powerful life story.
To accurately portray Martin, Sweeney trained rigorously for three and a half months. In an interview with W Magazine, she detailed her demanding schedule: “I loved it. I started eating more. I did one hour of weightlifting in the morning, two hours of kickboxing at noon, and another hour of weights at night.” This routine not only transformed her body but also made her “incredibly strong,” as she described.
A Complete Physical Transformation
Director David Michôd praised Sweeney’s dedication: “The best part was that she showed up to work every day bright and ready, no matter how hard it got. She was like a ray of sunshine.” The transformation was so significant that it even forced the actress to update her wardrobe. “It was completely different. None of my clothes fit. My breasts got bigger. And my butt became huge,” Sweeney candidly shared.
Sweeney proudly posted photos of her character transformation on Instagram, where she has over 24.5 million followers, calling Christy Martin “an incredible woman.” She wrote, “Over the past few months, I’ve been immersed in training to bring to life the story of a true champion who fought battles both inside and outside the ring. Her journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope, and I am honored to step into her shoes.”
Facing Criticism and Embracing Change
Along with the physical challenges came public scrutiny. Sweeney addressed online criticism about her changing body by posting a compilation of harsh comments left by social media users, highlighting the unrealistic beauty standards often imposed on women.
Once filming wrapped, Sweeney had to shed the weight she had gained to prepare for her next project. Director Michôd was stunned when he saw her again via FaceTime: “I was shocked by her transformation. I had only seen her as a tough girl from the late ’80s, ready to box. Sydney was happiest when she was in the ring, hitting and getting hit. It was surprising to see her looking so glamorous afterward.”
A Lifelong Passion for Sports
Sweeney’s commitment to physical activity isn’t new. In the interview, she revealed her lifelong passion for sports: “I was on the ski team, did wakeboarding, water slalom, football, and softball. My parents also introduced me to grappling and kickboxing. I was the only girl there. I trained from 13 to about 19 years old. I fought with all the boys. I liked thinking that if something went wrong, I could handle it.”
A Determined Career Path
Sweeney has always approached her career with determination. At a young age, she even presented her parents with a business plan detailing how she would break into Hollywood, including meeting casting directors and attending auditions. “I don’t know what the American Dream means, but I do believe that anyone can achieve their dreams if they work hard enough,” she once said in an interview.
In her personal life, Sweeney recently ended her seven-year relationship with producer Jonathan Davino, canceling their wedding that was scheduled for May.
Sydney Sweeney’s story is not just about preparing for a role — it’s a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion, both on and off the screen.