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African Games gold medallist, Cynthia Ogunsemilore, is the only Nigerian woman boxer to have qualified for the Paris Olympics. She talks about her boxing journey, the Olympics and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO
How did you get involved in boxing?
It was my coach who introduced me to boxing back in 2013. I was 10 when I came to visit at the gym one day and my coach asked me if I wanted to try it out so I tried with the other boxers there. It was an exciting experience and I have always enjoyed boxing since then.
Did your parents always support the decision?
Yes, my parents have always supported my decision. From the onset, they encouraged me and tried their best to allow me to make time for training because they believed in my ability as a boxer.
Did you find boxing easy or difficult when you started?
Boxing started for me in a very difficult situation because I come from a very poor family where I had no one to assist me. I had to struggle every step of the way and it motivated me to work extra hard in training and against any of my opponents.
You started while in school, how was it combining both?
Yes, I started boxing while I was in school. It was challenging to combine both because even school alone or boxing alone isn’t so easy. After school lessons, I would always go for training before going back home to rest a little from the day but I kept pushing on because I knew the dreams I was chasing.
Have you ever felt like quitting boxing?
Yes, there were times I felt like quitting boxing, especially when I didn’t have anyone to help me with kits and all. But I always had it in mind that one day I would get there and make my family happy, so it pushed me more. I am happy I have started seeing some rewards now.
What is the happiest moment in your career so far?
The happiest moment in my career so far is qualifying for the Olympic Games in Paris because it has been my dream for a long time. When I won the qualifiers in Senegal, I was so joyful. I qualified with two other guys and I was happy to represent the girls.
What would you call the saddest moment of your career?
The saddest moment of my career was when I lost my fight at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the United Kingdom in the semi-final stage because I felt I would go home with the gold, but I went home with bronze. It still made me happy to win a medal but I had a lot of confidence heading there and I have promised myself to make up for it in future competitions.
You won a gold medal in Accra at the African Games, how did that feel?
Winning a gold medal in Accra at the African Games felt so exciting because I worked so hard for it. It was part of my step for making up for my Commonwealth bronze and the Olympic Games is my next step now to win another major gold for Nigeria.
How eager are you to represent Nigeria at the Games and how are you preparing?
I am very happy to have qualified for the Olympics in Paris because it has always been my dream for a long time. I can’t wait to represent Nigeria at the Games and get my gold for sure. I have been working so hard to prepare and it is the biggest stage and I am so excited to get there. I have been resting currently from an injury I got at the African Games in Ghana but I know once I come back, I will train more and prepare for the Games.
What does it mean to compete at the Games for you?
Competing at the Games is a great privilege for me, and I will surely get my gold medal, nothing will stop me from achieving that. The Olympics is the biggest stage and I know I am going to do everything possible to get the gold medal.
You’ve travelled to various countries as a boxer, where did you enjoy fighting the most?
I enjoyed fighting the most in the United Kingdom at the Commonwealth Games because I met so many good and lovely boxers from different countries. It was a great opportunity for me and it was an amazing experience.
Who is your role model in boxing?
My role model in boxing is Kate Taylor. She is an Irish boxer and is the undisputed world lightweight and world super lightweight champion. I just like her story and her determination, she was a footballer before but she made it as a boxer and she is so dominant.
Do you have an ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to be the world champion after I achieve this Olympic Games gold. I want to get to the highest level in amateur and professional level. My family name should ring, and the whole world should know me.
When you started boxing, were people scared of you in the neighbourhood because you could box?
They were not scared then because I have always looked tiny. They would say, “You, this tiny girl, learn boxing from now till tomorrow, we will still beat you!” It was all play though because we didn’t fight, I liked how they were always free with me.
Who do you think is the best boxer in Team Nigeria camp?
The best boxer in Team Nigeria camp is me, Cynthia Ogunsemilore.
What are the challenges women face in boxing?
Women face many challenges in boxing because people say things like, “You are a girl; you can’t go far in boxing,” and such statements kill our morale. Some people push women to learn things like hairdressing or other sports that they don’t think are as tough which makes people miss their calling. Boxing is a very good sport and if someone has talent for it, they should be encouraged.