What does 209 percent mean and what drives a 15-year-old amateur boxer, like Faith Gomez, to go above and beyond championship belts?

I created this photobook to allow you to feel each page and sit down with each photograph intimately. In other mediums, details could be easily overlooked but photography brings those specific details to focus.

In the public eye, viewers see the glory and excitement of the boxing ring. From successful strikes, to defensive blocks, to ducks and dodges, and to knockouts. Audience members don't get to witness Faith Gomez’s struggle behind the scenes. My photobook gives insight to Faith’s reality of sacrifice, exhaustive daily workouts, strict diet, repetitive meals, supplements, and discipline to resist temptation. Despite her hard work and dedication, she would not be as mentally and emotionally strong without her familial support. Her family operates as a business and a well oiled machine to keep Faith’s dream of becoming a professional boxer attainable. Her father, Simon, is her primary coach. Her mother, Maggie, helps with event scheduling, funding, and transportation. Her sisters, Jasmine and Amber, assist with workouts and marketing. The rest of us relatives make our support visible in the audience whether it's locally, across state lines, or through livestreams.

Average teenagers wouldn’t take their efforts this far. Some would spend a less amount of time to physically condition themselves. Others would indulge in temptation to less healthier foods. My cousin, Faith, gives more than 100 percent. She represents our city of Stockton, California in the 209 area code. A place known for its resilience and toughness. Faith’s refusal to slow down, and her determination to get up and keep fighting is the epitome of the Stockton spirit. She puts in 209 percent every single day against all odds to strive to become a professional boxer.