NICOLA ADAMS ‘I’ll wear a different Christmas jumper every day!’

Olympic boxer Nicola reveals her love of festive clothing

As soon as December hits, I’m in my festive jumpers. I have a huge collection, so every day, in the run-up to the 25th, I wear a different one. What I love is that wherever I go, whether it’s out for a meal or to an event, I can wear a Christmas jumper. I don’t have to worry what outfit I’m going to wear because I can just put on one of them! My favourite is one with a penguin wearing a bobble hat.

I love spending time with the ones I love. Everyone’s there on our big day – and I’m hoping for the same this year. Aunties, uncles, and all the family. There’s normally around 15 to 20 people. I love having everyone around the table together. As I’ve got older, it’s time spent with my loved ones that’s become much more important to me than presents.

We have turkey with everything. My mum usually cooks breakfast and a massive lunch with turkey, duck, beef and lamb, as it’s a big celebration. The only issue I have with the turkey is the various forms it ends up in as the week goes on. The turkey sandwiches, the turkey soup, all of it.

Being a boxer, there was one Christmas when I had to train, which was awful. I couldn’t just eat what I wanted over the break. It was so horrible, I decided afterwards that I just couldn’t do it again and that I would have to have the time off. Christmas dinner and all the trimmings is too important to me!

My best Christmas present was a bike. I was about five years old. I’d really wanted a bike, and I remember coming downstairs and seeing it under the tree. I was like, ‘Yes!’ I was so happy. I rode it outside on Christmas Day, stabilisers and all.

MY CHRISTMAS WISH… I hope we can all have our families with us – and if not, here’s hoping for that next year.