Process in researching and writing a life story

What is it about?

The article discusses the processes involved in researching and writing the life story of Aboriginal boxer Wally Carr. Wally is an Australian and Commonwealth champion who held over 12 titles. He fought in all weights - from feather weight to heavyweight, was one of the last men to fight the fifteen-rounder, and fought 101 professional bouts in his 15-year boxing career.

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Why is it important?

In exploring the research and writing process, the author articulates how she grappled with her privileges and oppressions - her whiteness, woman-ness, disability and her lack of boxing knowledge. She argues that her choice to use the first-person narrative has the potential to subvert some of the more limiting aspects of biography especially when writing the life story of a person situated in a silenced, marginalised or oppressed group.