Christy Salters Martin, once the beacon of women’s boxing, finds herself navigating a complex emotional landscape during a recent press tour for the biopic chronicling her life, Christy. Despite moments of joy—like watching her Pomeranian, Champ, accrue executive platinum status on American Airlines—she yearns to return to her roots in rural West Virginia, where her journey began.
The 57-year-old former champion, who now shares her life with her wife, fellow ex-boxer Lisa Holewyne, is grappling with a whirlwind of memories and feelings. Having only seen the film three times, she admits to feeling a mix of nostalgia and trepidation. The story encompasses both her rise to boxing fame and the harrowing experiences of domestic violence she endured. At a recent screening in Beckley, W.Va.—just a short drive from her hometown—Salters Martin opted out of a Q&A session to avoid facing high school acquaintances who knew her during tumultuous times.
Her complicated relationships with her past linger in her thoughts, especially as she reflects on family members who are no longer alive, including her mother and brother. The prospect of reconnecting with her estranged father stirs a whirlwind of emotions. Salters Martin’s recollections of her childhood reflect a yearning for acceptance, a stark contrast to the public image she cultivated as a boxing champion.
The film captures not only her triumphs in the ring but also the grim reality of her personal life, showcasing moments of graphic violence she survived. “I made a deal with God,” she explains, articulating her mission to help others after emerging from a life-threatening attack by her then-husband, Jim Martin. After being stabbed and left for dead, her will to survive translated into a life dedicated to advocacy against domestic violence.
Sydney Sweeney, who portrays Salters Martin, was initially taken aback by the story, sharing her surprise at not knowing who Salters Martin was despite the significant impact she had on women’s sports. The film explores the dichotomy between the public’s perception of Salters Martin as a charming figure and the hidden reality of her abusive marriage. As Sweeney immersed herself in Salters Martin’s life and experiences, she found inspiration in her resilience and warmth.
Over the years, the public narrative surrounding Salters Martin often missed the depths of her struggles, reducing her story to the confines of a sensationalist tale. But now, with the film’s release, both women hope to illuminate the realities behind the headlines—stories that resonate on a very personal level for many. Sweeney, a rising star in Hollywood, understands the weight of her role, embracing the responsibility that comes with sharing such a powerful narrative.
Salters Martin has poured her energy into advocacy work since retiring from boxing, taking her education degree to teach and working diligently to support veterans and domestic violence victims. For her, the film serves as both a testament to survival and a platform for reaching out to those in need, helping to raise awareness around the issues she’s passionately fought against.
Though promoting the film forces her to revisit painful memories, Salters Martin recognizes its potential to spark conversation and change. Each public appearance reminds her that sharing her story could inspire someone to seek help, echoing her commitment to fulfilling the promise she made to God during her darkest hours.
Despite the film’s modest box office results, both Salters Martin and Sweeney feel a sense of accomplishment in the impact the narrative is having. The film has already prompted discussions about safety and empowerment among women, proving that art can indeed influence lives for the better. As Salters Martin continues to face her past, she embraces her role as a mentor and advocate, determined to ensure her struggles do not go unnoticed. In doing so, she transforms her pain into purpose, leaving a lasting legacy.
