**Meet the Heavyweight Who Teaches Sign Language: Grace Buckle**
In the realm of amateur boxing, Grace Buckle, hailed as the “Amazing Grace,” emerges not only as a formidable presence in the ring but also as a beacon of inclusivity as a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter. Recently securing her position as the top female heavyweight in England through her victory at the National Amateur Championships (NAC), Buckle’s journey is a compelling blend of athletic prowess and a commitment to the deaf community.
Grace Buckle, a three-time National Amateur heavyweight champion, has carved out a unique niche for herself. Beyond her accolades in the boxing domain, her expertise in sign language profoundly shapes her experience. Buckle states, “BSL helps you read body language,” highlighting how her skills as an interpreter enrich her boxing strategy. Raised in a household with deaf parents, Buckle’s first language was BSL, which represents not only a mode of communication but also a means of understanding her environment, furthering her instinctive boxing skills.
Buckle recounts her upbringing, primarily supported by her mother, often taking on adult responsibilities at a young age. “It was mainly a single-parent household,” she says, recalling how she aided her mother with phone calls and letters, which shapes her strong sense of independence. With a playful attitude, she recalls moments in school when teachers threatened to contact home, an empty threat given her communication role.
With a notable teaching role in sign language, Buckle recognizes the reciprocal benefits of teaching, emphasizing the reflective aspect it has on her personal growth. Encouragement from Miriam Dubois, who is part of the renowned Dubois boxing family, helped Buckle utilize her signing skills prominently at high-profile events, including the Royal Albert Hall and during the exhilarating knockout victory of Daniel Dubois over Anthony Joshua.
Buckle came to boxing fairly recently, turning to the sport amid the COVID-19 pandemic as a social outlet and community builder. By conducting online fitness sessions, she engaged groups like the Deaf Ethnic Women’s Association (DEWA) while managing the intricacies of visual instruction essential for her classes. Overcoming the isolation of lockdown, Buckle found a renewed sense of purpose and community.
The passing of the British Sign Language Act in 2022 served as a remarkable silver lining during the pandemic, officially recognizing BSL within the languages of Great Britain. Buckle began her journey in boxing during this transformative period and quickly made waves by winning her first NAC title competing at Brixton’s Miquel’s gym.
Buckle’s relentless pursuit of excellence led her to subsequent victories, including dominating foes like Emily Asquith, a former European champion, and capturing crucial wins at international competitions. Her eye-opening success at her first overseas tournament, where she faced off against a gold medalist, and her accolades at the Haringey Box Cup reflect her rapid ascension within the sport.
Yet, her path hasn’t been devoid of setbacks. A notable loss last year to New Zealand’s Celine Lee-Lo propelled her to change camps, moving to Heart of Portsmouth under Coach Quinton Shillingford’s guidance. Shillingford asserts that Buckle possesses the innate quality of a fighter, which she attributes to her upbringing and the strength she draws from her parents’ experiences as deaf individuals.
Looking ahead, the heavyweight division in women’s boxing is poised for growth, paralleling the rising prominence of female athletes like Clarissa Shields, the first undisputed champion. The lack of women’s categories above middleweight at the Olympics creates limitations yet also highlights potential for future champions like Buckle, who aspires for representation in upcoming World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
Buckle’s journey reveals her as a symbol of resilience and hope for a new generation of heavyweight boxers, embodying both athleticism and a commitment to inclusion. Her prowess in boxing, combined with her unique background in sign language, sets a remarkable precedence for the sport’s future and elevates the conversation about deaf representation in athletic communities. As Buckle continues her voyage through the thrilling realms of boxing, her narrative of overcoming obstacles resonates far beyond the ring.