TRAINING under the sweltering Thai sun isn’t for the faint-hearted, but for 33-year-old Mark Bale from Dungog, it was a life-changing opportunity he tackled head-on.
Mark lives with autism and has overcome significant challenges throughout his life, showing determination, strength, and drive at every turn.
A qualified personal trainer, he runs Achilles Training, a local gym and fitness centre in Dungog, where he shares his passion for fitness and combat-style training with the community.
An avid sportsman with a love for cricket and Muay Thai boxing, Mark recently returned from a month-long stay at the renowned Lamai Muay Thai Camp in Koh Samui, Thailand.
There, he trained for several hours a day, six days a week, in intense heat and humidity, refining his technique under the guidance of expert coaches who’ve worked with internationally ranked fighters.
“The experience didn’t just boost my own development, it’s had a flow-on effect at the gym, where I’ve been able to bring new skills and energy to my coaching,” he said.
While the trip was physically demanding, Mark embraced the experience, forming friendships with fellow trainees from around the world and immersing himself in the traditions of the sport.
Now back in Dungog, he’s already planning a return to Thailand in the coming months, this time with hopes of stepping into the ring for his first official fight.
Mark’s story is one of perseverance and passion, proving that with the right mindset, obstacles can be turned into opportunities.
Through Achilles Training, he’s not only growing his own skills but inspiring others to push beyond their limits.
By Shannon BENTON
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