When Alina Peach first met her now husband Isaac – the trainer behind New Zealand’s top-ranked boxers – it was the opposite of love at first sight.
She was in her early twenties and working at a boxing gym on Auckland’s North Shore, where Isaac trained with former Boxing New Zealand national coach Dr John McKay.
After enjoying the box fit classes, Alina then started training with John too, which meant she and Isaac would often have to run around the track together.
Recalls Alina, “He was the only professional boxer at the gym and he just seemed really arrogant. We hated each other at the start and I dreaded training with Isaac. We didn’t speak to each other for six months!
“Then one day, Isaac said to me, ‘Do you want to spar on Saturday?’ And I questioned why he suddenly wanted to help me with my boxing.
“But the other girls in the gym were like, ‘Oh, he’s so hot,’ so I started seeing him in a different light and thought to myself, ‘Yeah, maybe he is a bit attractive and he is kind of funny.’”
What started as a slow burn quickly ignited into love and the fitness-loving pair had a whirlwind engagement.
“The only obstacle initially was worrying what my mum would think of him,” laughs Alina at the memory.
“She’s Japanese and quite traditional, and doesn’t like tattoos, so I worried about what she would think of this skinhead, tattooed, sweary boyfriend I was bringing home! But she loved him instantly and they like to gang up on me together.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK