Amy Broadhurst's route to Olympic qualification with Team GB got off to a good start yesterday, with the Dundalk woman powering past Spain’s Sheila Martinez in her debut fight since her allegiance switch from Team Ireland.
She was fighting in the 60kg division at the final Olympic boxing qualification event in Bangkok, Thailand, and ultimately won 5-0. The victory means she will now progress to the last 16 of the competition.
The Louth fighter is a former World and European champion, and qualified for selection for Team GB through her English born father, Tony.
But how does Amy Broadhurst secure qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games?
What Amy Broadhurst's route to Olympic qualification looks like
Three spots at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are available at this competition in Broadhurst's division.
The 27 year old will need to either reach the final, or win a box-off for third place to secure a spot at her inaugural Olympics.
Next up for her to surpass is Canada's Terris Smith, who progressed after winning her bout against Bulgaria's Aslahan Mehmedova on Monday.
On her fight against Martinez yesterday, Broadhurst explained how she was “glad to get the first one out of the way” in her new colours, and also after returning from injury that saw her sidelined for some time
“The first one is always the hardest, and as it goes on then I’ll get better and better so I’m looking forward to whats to come,” she says.
“It’s okay sparring and stuff but the nerves before a fight are completely different and the whole build up to it too, so it’s good to finally be back in there, at my natural weight as well,” she adds, referencing her return to the 60kg division, which was occupied in Team Ireland by the reigning Olympic champion Kellie Harrington.
“The coaches make everything a lot easier, obviously it's my first time working with them but I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of people to be working with,” she describes, detailing what it’s like to work with the GB coaching team.
“They’ve been amazing to me so I’m excited for what's to come.”
