Local boxer Olin Lee helped to represent B.C. and 2 Rivers Boxing club on the national stage at the 2015 Canadian Nationals in Quebec City.
With only seven fights under his belt going into the competition Lee had his work cut out for him, facing fellow boxers that were going into the matches with more than 50 fights, with some even holding records.
Despite the tough odds Lee triumphed, bringing back a silver medal.
“It was a little nerve wracking at first,” Lee said.
“I was one of the first fighters to go, but once I got the first fight down and won it I was pretty good from there.”
Preparing for Nationals required a strict regiment; training six days a week, both running and boxing, as well as a strict diet.
Lee also attended a week long training camp in Victoria.
This is not the first event Lee has attended, during his three year long boxing career Lee competed in Silver Gloves, Bronze Gloves, Golden Gloves and B.C. versus Alberta.
However this is the first time Lee has boxed at the National level and it was a resounding success.
“It was pretty cool going because I got to go and meet the Canadian champions,” Lee said.
“I got to fight one of them and one of the guys that was helping us, Kenney LaLay is the six time National champ.”
It was a triumphant weekend not just for Lee but for all members of team B.C.
All seven members of the team medalled at the competition, they were the only team to achieved this feat.
Nationals is not the last step for Lee.
Lee has aspirations to become a professional boxer, though by taking small steps. First working his way up through the ranks to fight for the Canadian National team.
Lee sends his gratitude to all those who helped him prepare for the competition; Spencer Lee, Bob Pegues, Kenney LaLay and 2 Rivers Boxing.
