By Aadi Nair
PARIS (Reuters) – Before 2012, Atheyna Bylon had never stepped foot in a boxing ring. Now, she is eyeing a spot in the history books after entering the middleweight final at the Paris Olympics, where she is guaranteed to become Panama’s first-ever female medallist.
The 35-year-old, who will also become the first boxer from Panama to win a medal, beat the refugee Olympic team’s Cindy Ngamba 4-1 on Thursday to set up a final against China’s Li Qian on Saturday.
Since 1948, Panama have won three medals at the Olympics, two bronzes and a gold, all of which have come in athletics.
“I’m ecstatic. I gave everything out there. It’s history. It’s so exciting. I’m the first medallist in boxing from Panama,” Bylon said.
“I am super happy, thanking God, because I’m achieving my goals. I’ve sacrificed a lot over many years and it’s paying off. I’m very happy because I’m taking a medal to Panama.
“I know I will have to give my all (in the final). It’s not easy. Respect to all my rivals. We all want to win.”
Former world champion Bylon, one of the veterans in the boxing competition, said she had a late start in the sport.
“I’d never tried boxing before, but the police organised an event. My colleagues encouraged me and I participated in it. So, in 2012, I tried it and in 2013 I was in Panama’s national squad,” said Bylon, who had a number of fans passionately cheering her on from the stands.
“Right now, (my police colleagues) are all together in the school of the national police, watching it on a big screen with all the new students and some of my bosses. All across Panama, they set up places to watch the fight, in restaurants.
“I know Panama is celebrating because it’s the first medal won for Panama (in boxing). I can’t even imagine the parties happening there. I know they’ll be celebrating it big. Imagine a carnival, that’s how they will be celebrating. I’m very happy.”
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Paris; Editing by Jamie Freed)
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