A STUDENT is proving to be a knockout in her sport after being selected to represent her county and country in prestigious boxing competitions.
Neve Taylor Dilks, a Year 10 student at Trinity Academy, in Thorne, will fight for Yorkshire in Dublin next month and for England in Sweden next February as she pursues her Olympic dream.
The 14-year-old only took up boxing 11 months ago after being encouraged by her mother Liana.
She trains with Freedom Boxing Club, Lindholme, but has to spar with the boys as her punch is proving too strong for the girls.
“I have always punched hard and my right uppercut is effective,” she said. “Even when I try and power down it still brings the girls to tears so I have to spar with the boys.”
Neve will fight in a three-day tournament in Dublin, the Esker Box Cup, where she will take on boxers within 11 months of her age and 1kg of her weight.
After attending a series of open female squad sessions she was selected to represent England in February at a boxing competition in Sweden.
A fan of double gold medallist Nicola Adams, Neve has her eyes firmly set on Olympic glory.
“When I started I was the only girl in the gym but boxing seems to come naturally to me and I have persuaded others to take it up,” she said. “My mum is really into fitness and is helping me with my conditioning and diet.
“I am really excited about the competitions and am getting some really good advice from my club, county and England coaches.”
Head of Year 10 at Trinity Academy Lorna Hadwin said: “Neve is incredibly motivated and committed to her sport with a natural talent that will take her a long way. We’re very proud of her and will continue watching her boxing career with interest.”