Chantelle Reid’s Olympic Ambition
Chantelle Reid, a talented British boxer, has expressed her unwavering ambition to secure an Olympic gold medal before she transitions into a professional career. The 27-year-old athlete, who boasts a history of success as a junior competitor with both European and global accolades, faced a significant setback when she exited the recent Paris Olympics in the first round after a close split-decision loss.
Return to the Ring
Following this tough experience, she took a step back from competitive boxing, spending over a year away from the sport. Reid’s return to the ring culminated in a bronze medal at the World Championships in Liverpool, reigniting her pursuit of Olympic glory, which she regards as the pinnacle of achievement in boxing.
“For me, there’s nothing that compares to winning an Olympic gold medal,” she stated in an interview with BBC Radio Derby, underscoring her dedication to this goal despite the numerous milestones available in professional boxing.
Inspiration and Determination
Her passion for the Olympics was reignited this summer during a visit to her old primary school in Stenson Fields, Derbyshire. It was here, in an assembly focused on dreams, that she reaffirmed her ambition. Reid acknowledged, “I want gold—I want Olympic gold. I just need to follow my dreams, chase it, and make it happen.”
Lessons Learned
With her recent Olympic experience in Paris already influencing her approach, Reid highlighted the lessons learned from her first Olympic bout.
“I left the Olympics knowing that I poured everything into my training but didn’t get the result I wanted. It was a close fight, and while it didn’t go my way, it’s part of my journey to improve and come back stronger next time.”
Looking Ahead
Despite her initial Olympic setback, Reid remains optimistic about the possibility of another Olympic cycle, believing she is still young enough to achieve her dreams before potentially embarking on a professional boxing career.
“I’m not too old to chase the Olympics again. The professional arena will still be there after I’ve gone for my Olympic aspirations,” she concluded, affirming her relentless spirit in pursuit of personal and athletic goals.
