Hamilton-born artist-turned-fighter to represent Canada at Muay Thai world championship

Fehn Foss, a 31-year-old visual artist and Muay Thai fighter from Hamilton, is gearing up to represent Canada at the 2025 Senior World Championship in Turkey. Despite her nerdy upbringing and lack of interest in sports as a child, Foss discovered kickboxing in her late teens, which eventually led her to the world of Muay Thai.

With eight years of intense training under her belt, Foss is excited and proud to be competing in the 67 kilogram weight class at the upcoming championship. Muay Thai, a combat sport from Thailand, allows fighters to use their fists, elbows, knees, and shins to strike opponents, as well as throw and clinch them.

Foss’s journey to the world championship began with her first competition at Lithuanian House in Toronto, where she overcame her nerves and fear to secure a victory. This experience solidified her passion for the sport and her desire to continue competing at a higher level.

Training for the championship has been rigorous, with Foss dedicating about 18 hours a week to her workouts at Lotus Fitness in Toronto. In addition to her athletic pursuits, Foss also works as a visual artist, coaches Muay Thai, and serves as a teaching assistant at York University.

Foss’s coach, Charles Chen, describes her as determined, hardworking, and driven, noting her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities while staying consistent and pushing herself in the gym. As Foss prepares to face off against athletes from around the world, including tough competition from countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, and Russia, she remains focused on honing her skills and representing Canada with pride.

For Foss, the journey to the world championship has been about more than just competition. It has been a journey of self-discovery, pushing her limits, and feeling present in her body. Despite the challenges of fundraising for travel and gear expenses as an amateur athlete, Foss finds the experience to be incredibly rewarding and empowering.

As Muay Thai gains popularity and attracts a diverse range of athletes, Foss encourages people of all ages to give combat sports a try. She believes that pushing oneself physically and finding personal limits can be a transformative and empowering experience.

In conclusion, Fehn Foss’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and self-discovery in the world of Muay Thai. As she prepares to represent Canada on the world stage, Foss serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and individuals looking to challenge themselves both physically and mentally.