‘I Wanted To Spend Time With Him’ – How A Father’s Love Built Olivia Bahsous Into A Muay Thai Phenom

Olivia "Diamond" Bahsous, a teenage Muay Thai phenom, has ascended to greatness through the unwavering love and support of her father, Tanios Bahsous. Tanios, a former Canadian Muay Thai champion, brought his daughter to the sport at just two years old, carrying her on his back during daily runs to immerse her in the "art of eight limbs."

For Olivia, the gym was where she found a connection to her father and discovered her own passion. Her father's victories in larger venues inspired Olivia, who would gather his trophies and medals before collecting her own. At the age of nine, Olivia made her debut in the ring, and by twelve, she had developed a fierce competitive spirit.

Although her mother, a university-trained teacher, initially resisted the idea of her daughter fighting, supporting her daughter's pursuit of martial arts was essential to Olivia's success. Her mother's fear and determination to protect her daughter ultimately taught her a valuable lesson about the sacrifices required for pursuing one's dreams. Now, Olivia's mother stands as her biggest supporter, cheering her on from the stands.