Young Arrernte boxer sets sights on Olympics after AIS opportunity
Twelve-year-old Leela Lord has returned from a national Indigenous boxing camp at the Australian Institute of Sport with bigger ambitions for her future in the ring.
Alice Springs teenager Leela Lord has set her sights on competing in the Olympic Games after receiving an age exemption to attend a national Indigenous boxing development camp at the Australian Institute of Sport. Despite being just 12 years old, Leela's father, Jason Lord, a former boxer and now coach at the family-run Arrernte Community Boxing Academy, believes his daughter has the talent to succeed on the national stage.
Leela began training at the age of six and had her first fight at nine, consistently training hard to keep pace with older boxers. The week-long camp involved advanced strength and conditioning work, giving Leela the opportunity to train alongside Indigenous athletes from across Australia. Her father, while proud of her achievements, withdrew her nomination for the best female boxer award, recognizing that awarding it to his own daughter would not be appropriate.
Despite the challenges, including a lack of opponents due to her age and weight, Leela remains determined to continue her boxing journey, with the ultimate goal of representing Australia at the Olympic Games.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
