Caerphilly boxer Lauren Price becomes an Olympic gold medallist
Boxer Lauren Price will be bringing an Olympic gold medal back to Wales after winning the final of the women’s middleweight competition.
The 27-year-old from Caerphilly delivered a commanding performance at Japan’s Kokugikan Arena to defeat her Chinese opponent Li Qian in a unanimous points victory.
It’s just the latest sporting success for a former Welsh international footballer and four-times kickboxing world champion.
After collecting her gold medal, she said: “I can’t really put it into words. It’s a dream come true. Thanks to everyone who has supported me along this journey and thanks to everyone back home.”
The BBC interviewer has been criticised on social media for asking the clearly emotional boxer to talk about her recently deceased grandfather.
‘Determination’
The congratulations she has received include from academic and former Welsh football international Laura McAllister:
Genuinely one of my favourite 🏴 athletes since I saw her win her 1st medal at #Glasgow2014. Massive talent across 3 sports, @LLPrice94 's got it all. But most of all, what you need to win gold-ambition, self-belief, dogged determination & a very big heart. Llongyfarchiadau Lau🥇 pic.twitter.com/gEruh6BLHP
— Laura McAllister 🏴 (@LauraMcAllister) August 8, 2021
Born in Newport, Lauren Price was brought up in Caerphilly by her grandparents and went to Heolddu Comprehensive School in Bargoed.
Her sporting success started early, winning a silver medal in kickboxing at the age of 13 at the 2007 World Championships in Athens.
From kickboxing, she turned her focus to football and playing for Cardiff City in the team that won the Welsh Premier Women’s Football League title in 2012-2013.
After captaining Wales under 19’s side, she made two appearances for the Welsh international squad before choosing to concentrate on her boxing career.
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Warrior! Da iawn Lauren, superb achievement!
Thank you for explaining that Lauren has played football for Wales twice not the fifty two times that is often stated in various sources.She has played 52 times over various age groups but only twice at senior level.Her achjevements are such that lily has no need of gilding.
I just love the fact that she is most chuffed about living next door to a post office and her Nana opening the curtains to see a golden post box every morning.
Well done Lauren!
Da iawn Lauren, Well done.
Also Ystrad Mynach isn’t really Caerphilly is is NW?😉