A CHAMPION boxer has been delivering knockout advice to young athletes, helping them prepare mentally and physically for the competition.
GB champion and now a national coach Amanda Coulson spent the day with students at Northallerton College training, inspiring and honing their skills.
The Hartlepool-born athlete won four national ABA titles and three European silver medals before retiring from the ring to become a GB coach and consultant with the Sky Sports Living for Sports programme.
After staging a boxing session for Year 9 girls, she worked with badminton players teaching them how to organise a mini tournament.
She talked to Year 10 girls and A Level students about the key elements to becoming a successful athlete, including mental toughness, hunger to achieve, people skills, sports life knowledge, breaking barriers and planning for success.
“It has been a really great day with the students,” she said. “Being a female boxer is unique and seems to gain respect from both the boys and the girls. It is great being able to talk to them about what can be achieved if they put their minds to it.”
Head of PE Anna Harvey added: “Amanda has been a true inspiration and the students were buzzing.
“She has helped them realise that sport is much more than the physical aspect it is also about psychology and social and cultural skills. The great thing is that all this can be transferred to the rest of their lives; to their studies and general attitude as they move into the world of work.”
