Focusing on the positives.
It is hard to think of any positives in the current climate, but Great Britain’s boxing boss is doing just that.
Rob McCracken started 2020 with high hopes for a golden summer after 10 incredible years as GB’s performance director.
But now his leadership is more crucial than it ever has been as he looks to guide his team and staff through these challenging times.
The European Olympic qualifier in London was one of the last high-profile sports competitions to be called off because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Only three days boxing were possible before the tournament was called off on March 14, with Tokyo 2020 itself postponed less than two weeks later.
The Olympic organising committee hope to open the games in Japan on July 23, 2021, when British boxers will be vying for medals in the ring in Tokyo.
World championship silver medallist, Pat McCormack (pictured left), will be one of Team GB’s hot prospects at a time when, ideally, he would have been several months into a professional career, alongside twin, Luke (right), who is in the division below in the British side.
But, from McCracken’s perspective, the delay presents the opportunity for his entire team to go to Tokyo as better boxers.
“We are a few weeks into this situation now and, whilst it is far from ideal, I have come to realise that we all have to try and take the positives from it,” said McCracken.
“Our boxers and coaches work incredibly hard and are away from home a lot of the time, so this is an opportunity for them to re-energize and spend some time with their families, who they do not see too much of in normal circumstances.
“From a performance point of view, having an extra year to prepare for the Olympics is good news for a lot of our boxers.
“It is another 12 months of being able to develop and work with the coaches so that is bound to benefit them.
“I was really pleased with a conversation I had with one of our leading boxers a couple of days ago.
“He was disappointed that the Olympics had been postponed but it was clear he had accepted it and he just said to me ‘imagine how much better I will be in 12 months?
“It’s going to give me an even better chance of winning a medal next year’.
For full GB Boxing interview with Rob McCracken click here.
“It was clear that he has got his head around the situation and was thinking that it gives him even more time to get better and improve.
“I think that’s how everyone at GB Boxing needs to look at it. We have to try and focus on the positives.”
Words: Roy Kelly
