The British Olympic Association (BOA) confirmed today the first five boxers who have been selected for Team GB for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
The boxers punched their tickets for Team GB by virtue of their placement at the 2011 AIBA World Boxing Championships, held 22 September – 10 October in Baku, Azerbaijan. As the first major qualifying event for the London 2012 Olympic Games, boxers who finished among the top ten in their weight class, or top six for heavyweight and super heavyweight, at the Championships qualified for the Games.
The athletes selected today as members of Team GB are:
The athletes were formally nominated to the BOA by the British Amateur Boxing Association, which manages the Great Britain Olympic boxing programme.
British boxers have built a proud tradition of success in Olympic competition, having won 49 medals – 14 gold, 12 silver and 23 bronze – dating back to the Antwerp 1920 Olympic Games.
At the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Team GB boxers won three medals: gold by James DeGale (middleweight), bronze by Tony Jeffries (light heavyweight) and David Price (super heavyweight).
With today’s announcement, 16 athletes have officially been selected to Team GB for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Commented Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt:
Rob McCracken, Team GB Boxing Team Leader and British Amateur Boxing Association Performance Director said:
Since Rob McCracken became Performance Director in November 2009, the male and female GB Boxing squads have won 16 medals at five European and World Championships.
Rob McCracken on Andrew Selby:
On Luke Campbell:
On Tom Stalker:
On Fred Evans:
On Anthony Joshua:
When asked about the selection:
Andrew Selby (Barry) said:
Tom Stalker (Liverpool) said:
Luke Campbell (Hull) said:
Fred Evans (Cardiff) said:
Anthony Joshua (London) said: