The Boxer Within

A story of strength, resilience and transformation

In her memoir 'The Boxer Within', Vickie shares her journey to find the passion within, not only a story about boxing; it’s about finding something that moves you when all seems lost. It’s about what lies beneath, beyond a person’s heart and soul.

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'The Boxer Within' written by Vickie Simos. Available to purchase now.

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The Story

Life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect. There are moments that test you, break you, forcing you to question who you are.

The Boxer Within is a deeply personal account of navigating those moments. Through challenge, discipline, and persistence, martial arts became more than training, it became a way to rebuild, refocus, and move forward.

This is a story about finding strength not in perfection, but in perseverance.

After years of self-doubt and self-deprecation, Vickie Simos made many discoveries about who she was and who she wanted to be – a confident, strong person who considers herself worthy of all the best life has to offer.

Vickie takes a trip down memory lane to her childhood home of Barmera in the Riverland, 222 kilometres north of Adelaide. Born in 1974 to Greek migrants, the youngest of three, her need to fit in was a challenge. But did she need to? Her siblings were always the popular ones, never having to try, but what is the need really about?

Vickie always struggled to find her place, from adolescence to adulthood, not too much has changed – well, not until she was introduced to the world of martial arts, specifically boxing. Boxing was never Vickie's first choice, and never something she had considered doing, but something pulled her towards it.It wasn’t really a choice; it was just something she had to do.

This was not a smooth ride, but through a dedicated instructor who saw her potential, a group of friends made along the way, and support from family, especially siblings, Vickie learnt a valuable lesson, that by not giving up and by believing in oneself, you can achieve anything. Getting to this point was never going to be easy, and is still struggle, but it’s not without small achievements along the way. Read her story.

Meet Vickie

Vickie Simos is a martial artist, mentor, and founder of Thelo Active Therapy.

With years of experience in martial arts and personal development, her work focuses on helping people build confidence, resilience, and emotional strength through movement-based practices.

Her story, captured in The Boxer Within, is the foundation of her approach which stems from real, raw, and grounded in lived experience.

→ Learn more about Vickie

Read the reviews

“What a lovely mentor you are Vickie. Being able to see in others, what we can’t see in ourselves is your superpower. Your story reminds us that with the right guidance and gentle perseverance, we can all flourish.”

— Michelle Dawson

“Vickie has the strength of a warrior and reading her book I think that we all hope that we to could have the strength of ‘The Boxer Within’.”

— Voula Pepes

“This book is an awesome read. It is an inspiring, honest and thought provoking journey to self discovery. The book holds lessons and wisdoms that we can all use. A great read.”

— Jenni Harrington

“A thoughtful and honest account of an eventful journey from rural Australia to global success.”

— Bill Papastergiadis OAM

“Vickie tells her story with such passion, honesty and brings me back to thinking about my own migrant grandparents. With clever anecdotes, funny, heartfelt and ‘punchy’ at times both in the ring and in her expression, Vickie sums up all the thoughts we have about mental health, and reframes them to find meaning, clarity and as I read her story I could physically hear her voice. This story ultimately brings hope. ”

— Melissa Angius

“Well done what a fantastic read. To the author great job and all the best for this book and more to come.”

— Vicky Sennis Karamanis

“Your book, ‘The Boxer Within’ is your story and one many can relate to. Congratulations.”

— Kristian Livolsi

The Impact

Vickie’s work extends beyond the page. She has been featured across podcasts, radio, and media, and delivers talks and workshops focused on:

Mental health and resilience
Confidence and identity
Youth development
Personal growth through movement

→ Enquire about speaking or collaborations

Continue the journey

The Boxer Within is where it starts.

For those wanting a more hands-on approach, Vickie is also the founder of Thelo Active Therapy, where these principles are applied through movement and guided support.

→ Learn more at Thelo Active Therapy