Three years ago, Australia’s Skye Nicolson stood on the dais on home soil with a gold medal around her neck having won the Commonwealth Games.
Almost immediately the super talented Gold Coast local turned her attention to the biggest goal of all, determined not to limit her ambition.
Much has happened in the ensuing years, but Nicolson’s focus never wavered and this is her first chance to embrace the nerves and show how far she has come.
The Women’s Featherweight will be the first boxing medal awarded in Tokyo and Nicolson enters the famed Kokugikan stadium in the round of 16 against South Korean Aeji Im.
It’s a dangerous mission against the former world junior champion who has twice made the round of 16 at open level, but Nicolson will be favoured to win.
In loungerooms across Australia, young girls will be glued to the screen cheering for their charismatic champion. Nicolson has dedicated her scarce spare time working with and inspiring the next generation, recently saying "I think I'm most proud of being part of, I guess, history, in paving the way for female boxing in Australia and around the world," Nicolson said.
"Knowing that I've been an influence and been a positive role model on so many young girls and young athletes around Australia, that to me makes me more proud than any of my achievements in the sport."
Before Skye steps into the ring West Australia’s Alex Winwood, one of a record 16 indigenous athletes in the Australian team, will take on Patrick Chinyemba of Zambia.
In preparation, Winwood has done countless rounds sparring Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist and leading pro Andrew Maloney and his boxing twin Jason.
It’s all been done under the watchful eye of trainer Brian Sartori. The two met when Sartori did fitness sessions at Winwood’s school in West Australia.
“He’s a father figure to me, he’s helped me so much over the years, my dream was to make him the coach of an Olympian, now I’d like to make him the coach of an Olympic champion,” Winwood said.
“He’s taught me so much, not just about fighting inside and fighting tall but about not getting flustered, staying calm and confident. It can win you a fight.”
Watching from home will be Winwood’s mum Tracey and partner Sophie “They have been the cornerstones for me, my inner circle. I know they’ll be proud.”
