LINN SANDSTROM completed a stunning journey from table tennis star to fully-fledged professional boxer on Wednesday morning.
The Brazilian-born Swedish stunner swapped her paddle for boxing gloves shortly after moving to Australia five years ago.
It’s rare that athletes so entrenched in other sports opt try their hand at something new, let alone a combat sport.
And unsurprisingly, Sandstrom’s transition into the sweet but brutal science took many by surprise.
She said: “Everyone back in Sweden knew me as the girl who played table tennis.
“It is (quite a leap to go from table tennis to boxing), but I’ve been an athlete my whole life so that athlete lifestyle is what I love.”
Sandstrom made her pro debut last year against Jessica Cashman and endured the bitter taste of defeat courtesy of a unanimous decision loss.
Defeat in her maiden outing, however, didn’t prompt the 29-year-old to throw in the towel.
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Sandstrom returned to the ring on Wednesday morning on the undercard of Tim Tszyu’s clash with Dennis Hogan in Newcastle, Australia, where she took on Felicity Loiteron.
And she turned in a dominant display, with the judges scoring the contest 40-36, 39-37, 39-37 in her favour.
An elated Sandstrom said: “After the loss (to Cashman), people were saying, ‘Why is she getting another opportunity, why is she getting to be on a card like this again?’
“They can’t understand it. I was here to prove a point about why I’m here, and this is just the beginning.
“I’m very pleased with that result, I’ve been going through a really tough time lately, especially after the loss.
“So for me to get this win, not many people can imagine how hard I worked for this.
“I’ve had people that really, really want to see me fail.
“I’m a female that, I’m not just there to say I’m going to do things, I’m here to put in the work and that seems to irritate a lot of people.
“I’m doing me, this is my journey. I’m here to stay now, I’m here to prove a point.”
After experiencing the sweet taste of victory, Sandstrom is champing at the bit to get back into the squared circle.
She wrote on Instagram: Words can’t describe the feeling I have right now!!
‘Bringing home a UD WIN (unanimous decision) on one of the biggest nights in Australia last night was just (fire emoji).
“I’m buzzing to get back in there ASAP… so stay tuned for what’s to come next.”
