NICOLA ADAMS, the first female boxer to win an Olympic gold medal, booked her place at Rio 2016, reaching the final of the qualification tournament in Turkey. “It feels really good to know that I will be defending my title in Rio. I am really excited. It is no longer the Road to Rio, I am going to Rio. I’ve qualified and I am ready to defend my title and hopefully become a double Olympic champion,” Nicola said.
“This week has been really amazing. I have felt relaxed and comfortable. I have done all my training back in Sheffield with my coach Alwyn [Belcher] and the team at GB. I’ve done everything and the physios, strength and conditioning coaches, boxing coaches and medical staff have all done really well in putting me together and getting me ready for this competition.
“Through this tournament I feel like I’ve boxed really well and I’ve gone from strength to strength. I have not taken anyone lightly and have treated every competition as a final. Every time I get in the ring I have to give 110% because my opponents have nothing to lose and everything to gain so I have to make sure I go in there with my A-game and come away with the victory.
“I would like to thank everyone back home for their support including my sponsors and the National Lottery and UK Sport.”
