Former Irish world champion boxer Amy Broadhurst looks set to make a sensational move to represent Great Britain as she looks to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
The Dundalk native previously qualified for Northern Ireland through her British-born father, Tony.
Broadhurst was informed last week by the Irish Athletic Boxing Association that he would not be competing in the final Olympic qualifiers in May.
In a statement issued on Twitter tonight, Broadhurst confirmed he was “exploring all options available to us to keep the (Olympic) dream alive”.
“I was heartbroken and completely devastated when I was informed by the IABA that I would be considered for selection ahead of the final Olympic qualification in May and that my Olympic ambitions were effectively over.” Ms. Broadhurst wrote.
“Although I have won world, European and Commonwealth gold medals and remain the IABA's highest rated boxer in the current world rankings, my lifelong dream is to become an Olympian. For many years, I shed blood, sweat and tears in the boxing ring.'' Pursuing a childhood goal.
“Ever since I was informed of the IABA's decision, I have explored every option available to me to keep that dream alive. The Olympic torch continues to burn brightly within me and I am committed to doing everything in my power to I will continue to do so because I am determined to do “become an Olympian.'' ”
— Amy Broadhurst (@amybroadhurst12) March 28, 2024
Grainne Walsh defeated Broadhurst in the Irish welterweight (66kg) national final in January 2023. At the time, Broadhurst was close to qualifying at the same weight, but lost to Britain's Rosie Eccles in the quarter-finals of the European competition last June.
Walsh was controversially defeated in the first Olympic qualifier in Italy earlier this month, and the IABA decided to select Offaly women for the final qualifier in Bangkok rather than Broadhurst or former 70kg world champion Lisa O'Rourke. I decided to send it.
Broadhurst swept European, Commonwealth and World Championship titles at super lightweight/light welterweight (63kg) in 2022, which is not his Olympic weight.
The 27-year-old is thought to prefer competing at lightweight (60kg), but countries can only enter boxers in their weight class at the Paris Games, with reigning Olympic lightweight champion Kelly Harrington already competing. Qualifications are secured.
However, there are no boxers in Britain qualified for the 60kg weight class, so if Broadhurst's application is swiftly reviewed by the International Olympic Council and she secures a place in the final tournament in Thailand, the pair will compete in Paris. There is a possibility of a match.
The IABA said in a statement that it was disappointed with Broadhurst's decision but would not oppose his application to change his nationality.
“I have been contacted by Amy Broadhurst to inform me that she intends to seek a change of nationality in order to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
“We have discussed this matter with OFI. [Olympic Federation of Ireland] Sport Ireland would like to express our disappointment and reassure her that she understands the full implications of this request and the advice she may receive if she decides to proceed with it. I would like to confirm.
“We indicated after those conversations that if we truly thought this was what was best for her as a person and as an athlete, we would stay out of her way.”
