Northallerton teenager Hanna Holden is celebrating after winning gold in the EUBC European Schools Boxing Championships in Slovenia.
The 14-year-old, who trains at the Phil Thomas School of Boxing in Middlesbrough under head coach Craig Carney, was chosen to represent England in the 60kg category.
The draw put Hanna up against a tough opponent from Azerbaijan in her first bout.
But Hanna managed to win by a unanimous decision to secure herself a position in the semi-final against Italy, which took place the following day.
After winning that fight, Hanna secured her place in the final against Croatia.
“I wasn’t really nervous after my opening fight,” said Hanna.
“I just reminded myself of the training I had done and how much I wanted to win Gold”.
Hanna’s composure paid dividends in the final as she once again won by a unanimous decision against a tricky opponent who was taller with a long each, and who enjoyed counter punching off the back foot.
“It is the best feeling ever,” said Hanna about standing on the podium to receive her medal.
“I had rehearsed the national anthem so I could sing as it was played.”
Hanna will now enjoy two weeks of rest before she starts her gruelling winter training programme in preparation for the new season, where she goes up an age category to the juniors.
Hanna said she was “looking forward to eating normally for once” when asked what she was looking forward to during the break.
Hanna is supported by a number of local businesses including Snigwig car dealership.
Hanna’s final bout can be found 2 hours 26 minutes into the video of the morning session: https://www.youtube.com/live/hgSUZCRsCvA?si=RaNwBwfR00KQRrvJ
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