Jess Liddy, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Imogen McDonnell initially took up boxing for her fitness, but her love of the sport has taken her to places she could have never imagined.
Originally from Minlaton, McDonnell, a 25-year-old nurse and trackwork rider, began boxing competitively in 2022.
“Boxing positively impacts every aspect of my life and has introduced me to an incredible community of people,” she said.
“A few things have contributed to me pursing boxing — I have been lucky enough to train with and box against some of Australia’s highest ranked representatives.
“The opportunity to measure my skills against such a calibre of boxers has been invaluable to my progress and encourages me to keep targeting that high level of boxing.
“My partner (Donald Jones) and closest friend (Katie Riddle) are also elite level amateur boxers; I have always looked up to them, so getting to train and compete alongside them is unique and extremely special to me.
“I also love the lifestyle of being an athlete, striving for optimal performance/health, the discipline it requires and the challenges it presents.”
Following a silver medal at the Victorian state titles in May, McDonnell secured her place on the state team and was selected to compete at the 2023 Elite Australian Championships and Pacific Games Qualifier Event.
“This was the pathway event to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games,” she said.
“In the semifinal I drew Kaye Scott — in the boxing world Kaye needs no introduction, she is ranked number one in Australia and seventh in the world.
“I boxed to the best of my abilities and executed the game plan, but unfortunately lost to the more experienced boxer.”
McDonnell’s training consists of three to five boxing sessions mixed with many other workout routines and she has a nine-hour round trip fortnightly to Melbourne for state trainings and high-level sparring.
“Match bouts are not guaranteed, but I’m hoping to close out this year with two (bouts) in November,” she said.
“My goal as an amateur boxer is to reach my full potential and continue targeting the Australian championships and selection events.
“I would love to represent Australia at the Olympics, a Women’s Worlds Championships, the Commonwealth Games, or any other international tournament.
“I would also like to have a handful of professional fights for the novelty of it, when my amateur career starts to wind down.
“I see myself having a lifelong commitment to this sport, I am undertaking my level one coaches course and hope to step into a coaching role at some point.”
McDonnell currently balances boxing with her two part-time jobs and study commitments.
“There is no money in amateur boxing, so these jobs are my sole income and first priority,” she said.
“I am not special, I come from humble beginnings and a small town.
“Pursuing your dreams is fulfilling and I would encourage anyone to try — have patience, work hard, don’t put limitations on yourself, be resilient and embrace failure.
“I could have never imagined living this incredible life of mine, but here I am, enjoying the process, pursing my dreams, knowing the best is yet to come.”
This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 12 September 2023.
