OLYMPIC boxing hopeful Elise Glynn has spoken of her pride after winning a bronze medal for England at the EUBC European Women Junior and Youth Championships.
The 15-year-old further established herself as one of the country’s most promising boxers by reaching the semi-finals in Turkey.
The Solihull boxer then went on to secure third place in her 54kg category at the event which was held in Ordu where she was one of eight England medalists at the Championships.
“It is a fantastic honour representing my country,” said Elise. “Every time I compete I have to work hard and prove myself worthy of selection, so winning a bronze medal at such a major Championships was a big thrill.
“Obviously, a gold would have been better, but it gave me great confidence to know that my semi-final against the eventual champion was so close, so hopefully next time it might go my way!
“I love boxing, taking part at the Olympics is a massive dream, and I can’t thank Paul Archer and everyone at Solihull Boxing Club for their support – they are all brilliant.”
After making it through to the semi-finals, Elise – the youngest member of the England squad – was drawn against eventual gold medallist Jessica Triebelova of Slovakia.
Elise lost narrowly, but her performance in that bout, and throughout the tournament, inspired her to a comfortable victory in her bronze medal match.
Now back home, her coaches and fellow members of Solihull Boxing Club, gave her a rousing reception on her return.
“We are all so proud of her,” said Solihull Boxing Club’s head coach Paul Archer.
“She was inspired by Nicola Adams at the 2012 London Olympics, and her progress is going so well there is no reason why she cannot make it herself to the Tokyo Games in four years’ time.
“She is an extremely talented young lady, she works very hard, and thoroughly deserves the successes she is having.”
Elise attended England and Team GB warm-up camps throughout the summer, and during preparations for the championships in Turkey, she twice beat the Irish national champion, Mary Geraghty.
The England Boxing Chief Executive Officer Paul Porter said Elise and her fellow medallists had ‘done their country proud’.
He said: “They all, including Elise, performed magnificently away from home, and the future of female boxing at the elite level in England looks very bright indeed.”
