LAUREN SECURES AT LEAST BRONZE
LAUREN Price has dreamed of being an Olympian since she was eight years old and made sure it was worth the wait by bagging a guaranteed boxing medal. The Cardiff fighter secured at least bronze by reaching the semi-finals of the women’s welterweight division with a unanimous points victory against Panama’s Atheyna Bylon.
She now faces Netherlands’ Nouchka Fontijn knowing a win would send her through to the gold medal match.
Win or lose, Price will be an Olympic medallist like her friend Lauren Williams – who won taekwondo silver on Monday – and join Team GB teammates Karriss Artingstall, Ben Whittaker and Pat McCormack on the podium as British boxers reign supreme in Tokyo. “Do you know what, it hasn’t really sunk in yet. It was my dream since I was eight years of age just to be an Olympian, let alone win a medal,” the 27-year-old said.
“I can’t put it into words what it means to me yet. I was a bit emotional in the ring, as soon as I finished, I knew the decision before I went along, because obviously we get the scores. It has been a long week, emotional to see the team medalling. Your kind of must hold yourself back and concentrate on yourself.
“We have got a great team and there are many more medals to come. It just goes to show that GB Boxing have put the work in, even though the pandemic.
“They sacrificed and pushed a lot for us. They sent weights out trained on zoom sessions and did so much.
“It has all paid off, we are one of the fittest teams here – definitely.”
Price, who has two football caps for Wales and is a four-time kickboxing world champion, lost to Bylon in 2015 at the beginning of her boxing career. But she overpowered the former World Amateur champion and is a strong contender for gold in a highquality field.
“Back then, six years ago I was only starting out. I wasn’t a full-time athlete, and I have come on leaps and bounds since then,” she added.
“You look at her physique as well – she is quite a strong girl. I knew I just had to stick to my tactics and use my speed.
“I tried to frustrate her more than anything.
“It is an amazing feeling to have medalled, but I always want more, no matter what tournament it is in.
“I believe I am in the best shape of my career. It is now just about doing the right things, maybe training as well, just because I don’t want to be sat around in my room for a few days.
“Everyone at this stage is top class but I am ready to go. I am just loving the journey and trying to let it sink in.”