“I wouldn’t be an Olympian if my dad wasn’t my coach”

“I wouldn’t be an Olympian if my dad wasn’t my coach”

CHANTELLE

As a movie lover and someone who has followed Chantelle’s journey closely, I am in awe of her determination, resilience, and the pivotal role her father, Duane, has played in shaping her into the successful athlete she is today.


My father being my coach is a significant reason why I’ve reached the level of an Olympian. It’s advantageous to have a family member as your coach; in my opinion, such athletes often thrive because they receive unwavering support and are driven to excel.

Growing up with my dad has been an enriching experience. He is not only deeply knowledgeable but also incredibly tactical in his approach to training and problem-solving. His meticulous nature as a perfectionist ensures that every detail is attended to, leaving no stone unturned.

In kickboxing, I participated in the European Championships as a junior and brought home two golden medals. Later on in my youth, I joined the World Championships and claimed another two gold medals. I reached the pinnacle of achievement in kickboxing, but since it’s not an Olympic sport, I made the decision to switch gears and explore boxing instead.

When I was around 12 years old, I had an interview at Moorways Sports Village in Derby. They inquired, “What is your greatest aspiration?” To which I replied, “My deepest desire is to participate in the Olympic Games.”

In my past, I held a passion for art just as strongly as I do now. Horses brought me joy and excitement much like they do for me currently. Fashion was an essential part of my identity then, and it continues to be so today. Regarding handbags, they’ve long been a fascination for me. Specifically, Louis Vuitton bags hold a special place in my heart. Should I ever reach the professional milestone, my ultimate goal is to acquire a Hermès Birkin bag.

“I wouldn’t be an Olympian if my dad wasn’t my coach”

As a movie buff, I can relate to the feeling of being sidelined for six long years due to a painful disc injury in my back that kept me away from the thrilling world of boxing. It was like experiencing a profound loss, grieving for a significant part of my life that was once filled with energy and determination.

Currently, I reside with my father in Derby, but temporarily, I’m lodging in Sheffield with Team GB. I undergo rigorous training sessions three times daily. In the morning, I consume eggs for nourishment, followed by chicken, rice, and vegetables for lunch, and additional protein-rich meals in the evening. My eating plan is meticulously planned around grams of proteins or carbohydrates.

We’re an amazing team. We never get into disagreements

As a boxing enthusiast and a dedicated trainee under my father’s tutelage, I take great pride in sharing my progress with him through footage of my sparring sessions. He meticulously analyzes each clip, scrutinizing every detail to identify any flaws or areas for improvement. By replaying the videos in slow motion and fast forward, he can spot even the slightest imperfections that might affect the delivery of a powerful punch.

As a devoted family member, I cherish their unwavering support in all aspects of my life. During my weekends away from Sheffield, I make it a point to see everyone I love and catch up on our lives. For me, unwinding involves taking an Epsom salt bath and losing myself in the comforting reruns of “Friends.” When visiting my mum, we bond over action-packed films such as John Wick and Jason Bourne. On Sundays, my grandma and I attend church together, adding a sense of peace and tranquility to my weekend routine.

For a woman, entering a martial arts or boxing gym for the first time can be an intimidating experience. The thought of putting on a headguard and gloves to begin sparring is a significant step that requires great bravery.

After the 2012 Olympics, Nicola Adams, Savannah Marshall, and Katie Taylor have proven to the world that women can excel in boxing. Chantelle Cameron serves as my inspiration. These trailblazers have left a significant mark on female boxing, and I feel fortunate to be a part of this historic journey. I’m not heading to Paris for anything other than a gold medal – I’ve put in too much effort – but I’ll savor the experience and take it all in. The moment I take my seat on the Eurostar, I’ll think, “I’m off to the Olympics!”

DUANE

“I wouldn’t be an Olympian if my dad wasn’t my coach”

At the age of 14, I attended a kickboxing class and became deeply engaged. Later on, I represented Great Britain in both the Kickboxing World and European Championships. Subsequently, I transitioned to amateur boxing and eventually went pro. Unfortunately, I suffered a severe shoulder injury which led me to explore coaching as an alternative career path.

I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by combat sports since my early childhood. From a young age, I’ve introduced these techniques to my daughter Chantelle. She began kickboxing when she was only four or five years old. My primary motivation was to bolster her confidence. However, there was another reason behind it – self-defense. I fervently hope that she will never have to utilize the skills I’ve taught her in this manner. Nevertheless, the experience of being immersed in combat sports since childhood has shaped both our lives in profound ways.

Channy has consistently been my trusted assistant. During my tenure as a teacher at community centers in Derby, she helped me out by demonstrating techniques and carrying my gear.

She’s always been my right-hand woman. When I was teaching kids at council-run venues around Derby, Channy would be my helper

On her mum’s side, Brian Hinkley, who is known for his coaching in boxing, significantly supported Channy when she was around 12 years old and chose to pursue a career in boxing. My son Duane Jr (21) also boxes, while my nine-year-old daughter Caitlin practices kickboxing.

As a boxing coach and a loving father, I find it less distressing when my son takes hits during training than seeing Chantelle get hit. She’s a formidable opponent with impressive skills. Her tenacity and talent keep me motivated to ensure she’s at her best and minimizes the number of blows she receives. Despite finding it difficult to watch, I respect her dedication and determination in the ring. My experiences as both a coach and a parent have shaped my perspective on the intensity and importance of boxing training for Chantelle.

At the 2012 Olympics, women were given the opportunity to compete in boxing for the very first time. Consequently, there are now more females attending boxing classes at the gym. It’s wonderful that Chantelle is among the ladies championing this new trend.

From Monday to Thursday, she is in Sheffield undergoing training with Team GB. Then from Thursday to Saturday, she will return to Derby for training sessions with me, where we concentrate on strategies. I make sure she has Sundays off as much as possible. I avoid praising her excessively about her natural abilities, as it may hinder her progress. She has put in considerable effort over an extended period to develop her speed, fitness, and athleticism.

People often comment, “You must be so proud she’s going to the Olympics,” but what truly fills me with pride is her determination and resilience in reaching this achievement. Witnessing her grow into a strong and mature young woman during this journey is an added bonus.

Chantelle competes in the women’s middleweight boxing (75kg), which starts on Wednesday 31 July

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2024-07-26 16:37