Biography:
Christy Halbert, Ph.D., is a renowned figure in the world of boxing and a trailblazer for women in the sport. With an academic background in sociology and a successful career as a collegiate athlete, she has used her diverse skills and experiences to take a multi-disciplinary approach to coaching and studying boxing.
Dr. Halbert first made her mark in the world of boxing when she became the first researcher to publish on the social experiences of women professional boxers. Her ground-breaking article, Tough Enough and Woman Enough, shed light on the challenges and triumphs faced by women in this male-dominated sport. Building on this success, she went on to write The Ultimate Boxer, a book aimed at making Olympic-style boxing skills and tactics accessible to a wider audience.
Dr. Halbert’s thirst for knowledge and passion for the sport has only grown over the years. She continues to conduct research and regularly delivers multi-media lectures on the Debut of Women’s Olympic Boxing. Through a socio-historical analysis, she provides valuable insights from her perspective as both a researcher and a participant.
As a coach, Dr. Halbert has dedicated herself to three main areas. Firstly, she coaches boxers at the Boxing Resource Center, harnessing her expertise to help guide and develop their skills. Secondly, she has played a crucial role in coaching and advancing women’s Olympic boxing in the United States, helping to pave the way for future generations of female boxers. Lastly, she has also lent her coaching abilities to international development programs, focusing on coaching girls and women in these initiatives.
In recognition of her groundbreaking work, Dr. Halbert received the United States Olympic Committee’s Olympic Torch award in 2011. This prestigious award honored her pioneering efforts in the development and advancement of women’s Olympic boxing in the country. Her impact on the sport is not limited to the United States, as she is recognized internationally as an expert on women’s boxing. Dr. Halbert’s expertise led her to become the first U.S. coach and the only woman coach to serve as an instructor for the International Federation’s Road to Dream program. This program provides training and World Championship opportunities to boxers in under-represented countries, showcasing her commitment to inclusivity and global development within the sport.
Dr. Halbert’s coaching journey reached new heights when she served as an Olympic Coach for Team USA at the inaugural Olympic Games for women boxers. Her guidance and expertise helped the three women boxers from Team USA bring home a gold and a bronze medal, solidifying their place in history. Notably, just 11 years prior to this, Halbert served as the Head Coach for the first-ever World Championships for women boxers, further emphasizing her role in women’s boxing history.
In 2013, Dr. Halbert was awarded the Guiding Women in Sport Award by the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport. This prestigious award recognizes her extraordinary service and leadership in female sports, acknowledging her pioneering spirit and dedication to improving opportunities for girls and women.
Beyond coaching, Dr. Halbert actively shares her knowledge and expertise with others. She conducts courses in coaching Olympic-style boxing as a Level IV Coach with USA Boxing and serves as an international instructor/coach with boxing’s International Federation as a 3-Star Coach/Instructor. Additionally, she holds important administrative positions, including Chair of USA Boxing’s Women’s Task Force, Chair of the Americas’ Boxing Confederation Women’s Commission, and Secretary of the International Federation’s Women’s Commission.
Throughout her career, Dr. Christy Halbert has published numerous articles and presented on coaching techniques, as well as her ongoing research and observations within the sport. Her tireless efforts, dedication, and contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of boxing and have paved the way for countless women in the sport.
Awards:
– United States Olympic Committee’s Olympic Torch award (2011)
– Guiding Women in Sport Award by the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport (2013)