Gold Coast Muay Thai champion Chelsea Hackett hoping for Women of the Year win

Muay Thai champion Chelsea Hackett has faced off against some of the most intimidating fighters in her sport — today’s Women of the Year awards ceremony is just the latest challenge.

MUAY Thai champion Chelsea Hackett is a finalist in the Harvey Norman Gold Coast Women of the Year Awards today and for the 20-year-old, the experience has been inspiring not only for her but all the young girls she coaches.

The two-time world champion is nominated in the Sporting Superstars category of the awards, having represented Australia in Muay Thai and preparing for her first Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight.

“To be a role model for them (the girls she coaches) is really important for me, to show them where good work ethic and being passionate about something can get you,” Ms Hackett said.

GOLD COAST WOMEN OF THE YEAR PODCAST

Chelsea Hackett is preparing to take on the Women of the Year awards this afternoon. Picture: Jerad Williams

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“It’s about not going for the same thing, not copying other girls and finding your spark and your passion.

“It doesn’t matter what people say about that. As long as it makes you happy, go for it. That’s my main message for women.”

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Ms Hackett first started training at just eight years old.

She says it has been a struggle to find her place in the male-dominated sport.

“You start to get stronger and they crush you for that, because you don’t look feminine anymore … all of that really affected me,” she said.

“I started to realise I could use this, show females can be strong, can be powerful, can be as masculine as they want.

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Chelsea started making waves in the Gold Coast’s martial arts scene at a young age. Picture Glenn Hampson

“I just stopped caring what people thought and started believing in my own ability.”

Gold Coasters can watch the Women of the Year gala luncheon live.

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The Bulletin will be streaming the awards direct from The Lawn at The Star Gold Coast from 12.15pm today.

With pop-up dining options and an outdoor bar, the Garden Kitchen & Bar’s iconic lawn is the perfect place to stage the awards. Winners and finalists will continue the celebrations with live entertainment once the official event has ended.