As a child, Anne “Gowtu” van Lingen felt invisible, trapped in a turbulent upbringing where she often faced her challenges alone. Everything changed when she first stepped into a boxing gym — there, she discovered strength, direction, and ultimately her voice. Through the physical battles in the ring, she reconnected with herself and found the tools to confront her past. Today, Anne channels her transformation into action: she trains young people who, like her, are fighting with their past, showing them that boxing is not just a sport, but a path toward healing, growth, and community.

The goal of “Gowtu” is to inspire and raise awareness about the impact of childhood trauma and the healing potential of sport. Anne’s story is a tribute to resilience, self-development, and the empowerment of young people in vulnerable situations.