Teen boxer eyes up Team GB glory at Youth Olympics

Lily Bassett, a 16-year-old boxer from Tooting in south-west London, is aiming for a spot on the Team GB squad to compete in the Youth Olympics at the end of this month. The Youth Games, starting in Dakar, Senegal on October 31st, will see 16 athletes from various sports representing Great Britain.

Lily has been on a winning streak since securing her fourth consecutive junior European Championship gold medal in Serbia recently. She has beaten opponents up to three years older than her. Her coach, Marcus Luther, has been with her since she was six years old and believes she has the potential to reach the pinnacle of the sport, even likening her talent to that of Katie Taylor, who won Olympic gold for Ireland in 2012.

Marcus noted a significant change in Lily's demeanor since starting boxing. When she first joined, she was shy and her family brought her to the gym to help her come out of her shell. Now, she exudes confidence and self-belief. When asked about her aspirations, Lily expressed her belief in achieving Olympic glory, stating that her dedication, talent, and hard work will make it a reality.

The Youth Olympics, first held in Singapore in 2010, will be the fourth edition of the event and is being hosted in Dakar, Senegal. While Lily is eligible for selection for the LA Olympics in 2028, it is too early to determine the feasibility of her chances. However, she is part of GB Boxing's Future Olympic Medal Strategy cohort, which has a specific focus on the 2032 Games in Brisbane.

Lily's mother, Lucy Grainger, recounted how her daughter was initially introduced to boxing by her older brother who eventually moved on to basketball. However, Lily's passion for the sport quickly took over and now, her mother is overjoyed at her daughter's upcoming participation in the historic event. She admits to crying every time her daughter steps into the ring or gets onto the podium, expressing her immense pride in her daughter's hard work and talent.