IT has been so disappointing for so many athletes to have had so many events cancelled this year, from the Olympics and the Paralympics – which both in many people’s eyes must also be in doubt for 2021 – all the way down to week-in, week-out domestic sport.
However, for me it was brought home with a bang with the cancellation of boxer Hannah Rankin’s WBO middleweight title fight against England’s Savannah Marshall. It seems to me could have a particularly hard impact on the participant, due to the nature of the sport.
Hannah, who was Scotland’s first female world boxing champion, has been focused on this match for a quite some time and to have it snatched away at the last moment, after her opponent’s coach tested positive for Covid-19, must be heartbreaking and so demoralising.
I think being a boxer is quite a lonely thing. While they can train and spar with others, their need to be “in the zone” so long before a fight must add to the loneliness.
The “banter” between opponents and the walking into the ring alone, just waiting to face each other, is an extremely isolating and lonely position to be in.
Hannah is a special young women. A classical musician by day and a world champion fighter by night, and we don’t get many of her to the dozen!
She has a determination and resilience that will see her through this and spur her on to success when the match is re-arranged.
Hannah is exactly what a role model should be. The report from the Girl Guides, Girls Attitudes’, found 86% of those aged 11-21 think sportswomen are good role models for young girls. This report also highlighted that 39% of young women are unhappy they don’t look the way others do when online – a worrying trend!
Depending on timing, we may not be able to be there in person to support Hannah, but follow her on Twitter at @Team_Rankin and send her your backing.
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