" When I was in juniors, I was fighting twice a year and going nine months without fighting. "
- Claressa Shields

In her statement, Claressa Shields discusses her boxing career during a specific period of her life when she was young. She mentions that despite having a consistent schedule where she engaged in two fights per year, there were long stretches of nine months during which she did not participate in any matches. This highlights the inconsistency and unpredictable nature of professional sports careers.

The deeper meaning behind Shields' words speaks to the reality faced by many athletes who compete at elite levels. These individuals often find themselves balancing periods of intense competition with lengthy breaks due to factors such as scheduling, health concerns, or strategic planning for their careers. During these lulls, athletes must maintain their skills and physical condition without regular competition, which can be challenging both mentally and physically. This quote encapsulates the dual nature of an athlete's life—moments of peak activity interspersed with prolonged periods of relative inactivity.

Claressa Shields is a renowned American professional boxer and former amateur boxer who has won multiple championships at various levels. She became the first woman to win gold medals in both the Olympics and the world championships in two different weight classes. Her achievements have solidified her status as one of the greatest female boxers of all time, making her insights into the nature of a professional athlete's career particularly noteworthy and valuable for understanding the challenges faced by those at the top of their game.