Meet Alannah McGuinness, a determined 22-year-old woman from County Leitrim, Ireland, who left everything behind to follow her dream of becoming a professional Muay Thai fighter. Alannah made the bold decision to move over 6,000 miles away to the tropical shores of Krabi Province, Thailand, in pursuit of a new life after struggling with her mental health back home.
A former athlete, Alannah was once a promising sprinter, even representing Ireland at an international level in her teenage years. But after battling anxiety and depression, her passion for athletics faded, leaving her feeling lost and uncertain about her future. That all changed when a solo trip to Thailand led her to discover Muay Thai, a traditional form of martial arts that reignited her spirit.
Alannah recalls the transformative moment she first stepped into a Muay Thai gym: “This time last year, I was very depressed and struggling massively with anxiety attacks. I felt like I would never heal, despite how hard I was trying. Now, I am much more confident, happy, and excited for my future. Muay Thai has really changed my life.”
It was during her first two-week training camp in Thailand that Alannah realized she had found her calling. She immediately fell in love with the intensity and discipline of the sport, and the welcoming Thai culture only deepened her connection to the country. “The Thai coaches were amazing—so thoughtful, kind, and encouraging. Every day, I was learning more and more, and my confidence was growing,” she explained.
Returning to Ireland after that life-changing trip, Alannah knew her future was no longer at home. Instead, she worked tirelessly to save up for a permanent move to Thailand. She juggled multiple jobs, including English tutoring and running her own clothing stalls where she sold homemade fleeces. After months of hard work, she had saved enough money and was ready to follow her dream.
In December, Alannah packed her bags and made the leap, moving halfway across the world to start her new life in Thailand. Settling in Krabi, a picturesque coastal province, she began training full-time at a local Muay Thai gym, embracing a grueling schedule of twice-daily training sessions, six days a week. Despite the physical and mental challenges, she was determined to make it as a fighter.
“The training is intense,” she shared. “It’s five to six hours a day in 38-degree heat, and the trainers push you both physically and mentally. But I love it. Every day, I feel stronger, more focused, and more confident. If I can survive a fight camp, I’m confident I can overcome any struggle.”
Now unbeaten with three wins under her belt, Alannah’s goal is to become a professional Muay Thai fighter and compete in some of the most prestigious arenas in Bangkok, the capital of Muay Thai. “My dream right now is to fight in one of the major stadiums in Bangkok,” she said, brimming with excitement about her future.
Despite her rapid success, Alannah admits that the move wasn’t easy. Leaving her family and friends behind in Ireland was a difficult decision, and she often misses home. “While I do miss my family and friends back home, I am also very blessed to have made my own family over here. The gym I train at is like a big family, and they are so supportive of me.”
Alannah’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and a passion for pursuing dreams against all odds. From a sprinter who lost her way to a Muay Thai fighter with an unstoppable drive, she has transformed her life and found the confidence she never thought she’d have.
“Muay Thai reignited the ambitious and courageous side of me that I was longing for. It’s given me a new sense of purpose and helped me overcome my mental health struggles. Now, I feel like I can achieve anything I set my mind to,” she said.
While her journey is still unfolding, one thing is clear: Alannah McGuinness is a woman on a mission. Whether she’s fighting in the ring or taking on new personal challenges, she is ready to embrace whatever comes next. And with her grit and determination, it seems like nothing can stop her from achieving her Muay Thai dream.