QUEEN NIC Robo jibe fires Joe

Brilliant Adams takes gold then hints: there ain’t nothing like a damehood!

NICOLA ADAMS broke down in tears on the podium after “crushing the dreams” of another rival to retain her Olympic crown.

And the queen of the ring – already an MBE – likes the sound of Dame Nicola, with many of Team GB’s stars likely to be recognised in the New Year’s Honours List.

She earned a unanimous points win over Sarah Ourahmoune of France in the flyweight final and become the first British boxer since 1924 to win back-to-back Olympic golds.

The 33- year- old from Leeds plans to take a holiday before deciding whether she will remain in the amateur game, turn professional or pursue other interests.

But she admits she could not remember the last time she cried, having surprising herself by weeping when the national anthem was played.

She said: “It was an emotional moment, it was the thought of making history – winning world, European and Olympic titles in the same years.

“I’ve also had shoulder surgery and an ankle injury since London, so reflecting on all that made it overwhelming. I can’t remember the last time I cried about anything. I’m not really a crier.

“London changed my life completely. I get to go to movie premieres, awards, I got to meet the Queen and get an MBE.”

Asked how Dame Nicola would sound, she replied: “That would go down really nicely!”

Adams comfortably won the opening two rounds against Ourahmoune.

Yet when the judges ruled Ourahmoune had edged a tight third the result was still in the balance – before the Brit pulled off a grandstand finale.

Adams said: “It definitely wasn’t easier than the last Olympics. It’s tough as everyone wants to go to the Olympic Games and every person you beat, you’re crushing their dreams – so it’s a tough old process.

“I’m always nervous for every fight. I think it’s good to have that adrenalin when I get into the ring.

“It lets you know you’re taking it seriously and are not just going to walk it.

“I definitely felt I’d done enough to win. I felt I was winning the rounds quite comfortably and landing with a few good shots.

“I didn’t know they had given her the third round. I just like to keep things interesting I guess.”

Adams, who at the London Games became the first woman boxer ever to win an Olympic medal, added: “The women’s amateur scene is growing and I hope the pro scene will grow too.

“As for the future, there’s time to go on, but I want to take a holiday, chill out and reflect on this moment before I decide.”