I have been the number one ranked 60kg boxer in New Zealand for the past five years, including receiving the belt for the most scientific boxer in 2013. I represented NZ at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, a highlight of my boxing career to date. Since then I came back hungrier than ever to pursue to boxing goals; to test myself at the World Boxing Championships and to represent my country at the Olympic Games.
I initially took up competitive boxing eight years ago, at the age of 14, as a seriously overweight (5’5’’ and over 80kg) teenager. I realised I needed exercise to reduce my weight and self-esteem problems.
Through sheer perseverance I successfully reduced my weight to around 60kg in that first year; and by then I had fallen in love with the sport. Now I not only compete but also teach boxing and the value of exercise to youngsters at my local association gym (Harbour Boxing), along-as work at Les Mills as a fitness instructor.
I am still incredibly passionate and excited about my sport, I am a hard worker and I know if I am given the opportunity I have ability to achieve my ultimate goal to medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, something that I not only want for myself, but for my family and coach and others who have supported my pursuit of this so far.