Tokyo-bound Cheavon Clarke hails GB Boxing as 'best in the world' and a life-saver through pandemic
BySportsbeat
Updated 01/04/2021 at 09:18 GMT
The 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist says the programme's extensive support network has been vital during lockdown. Cheavon Clarke last scooped a major medal for Team GB at the 2019 European Games, where he emulated his Gold Coast medal exploits by winning bronze in Minsk. The Kent puncher lost in the quarterfinals at the 2019 World Championships and is now focused on the Tokyo Olympics.
Cheavon Clarke
Image credit: Getty Images
Grateful Cheavon Clarke hailed GB Boxing as the 'best in the world' and says the programme's extensive support network has helped struggling athletes battle through the darkest days of lockdown.
The Jamaican-born heavyweight had his Tokyo hopes snatched away when the British qualifying event at London's Copper Box Arena was cancelled last year.
That led to a dramatic change in GB boxers' training schedule, but the programme was swiftly on hand to send Clarke - and his teammates - vital equipment such as bikes, weights and punchbags.
Regular athlete contact and psychological support bolstered their offering and Clarke, a 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, says he couldn't be prouder to be front and centre of the 'unbelievable' organisation.
"GB Boxing is the best programme you could wish to be on," said the 30-year-old, who is working with Purplebricks to encourage the nation to get behind Team GB on their journey to Tokyo.
"It's second to none and is the best programme in England. If your programme's better than GB Boxing as a whole, you're doing something special.
"The staff, the coaches, the backroom staff - these guys work tirelessly so us, as athletes, are in the best frame of mind possible.
"It's unbelievable what they do - and words can't give enough gratitude to it.
"It was such a life-changing event for the Olympic Games not to happen [in 2020]. But the programme started organising weights for us and offering us bags and bikes if we needed them.
"They were on the phone for support, and it made it a lot easier to go through. I, for one, am very grateful for how I've been supported through the pandemic.
It's not a nice thing to wake up with dark shadows in your head and feeling like you can't speak to anybody - and it's imperative we support each other.
Clarke now faces a crucial bout later this year to realise his Japanese dreams, before a further competition will take place to determine heavyweight seedings in Tokyo.
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement