Amy Broadhurst to chase Olympic dream by switching allegiance to UK

SWITCHING ALLEGIANCE: Champion boxer Amy Broadhurst. Pic: Dan Sheridan, Inpho

Louth boxer Amy Broadhurst is set to switch allegiance to the United Kingdom in an effort to complete to her Olympic dream. 

Former world champion Broadhurst's would qualify to box for the UK through her English-born father Tony. 

27-year-old Broadhurst knew her hopes of qualifying for the Paris games as an Irish athlete were over last week, when the Irish Athletic Boxing Association told her that she would not be going forward to the final Olympic qualifying tournament in May.

In a statement to her X account on Thursday night, Broadhurst confirmed that she was "exploring all options".

"I was left broken-hearted and completely devastated when I was informed by the IABA that I would not be assessed for selection ahead of the final Olympic qualifier in May and that my Olympic ambitions were effectively over," Broadhurst wrote.

"I have won World, European and Commonwealth gold medals and remain the IABA's highest-rated boxer in the current world rankings but my lifelong dream has been to become an Olympian. I have spilt blood, sweat and tears over 22 years in the boxing ring in pursuit of that childhood goal.

"Since being informed of the IABA's decision, I have been exploring all options available to me to keep that dream alive. 

"I will continue to do so because the Olympic flame continues to burn brightly in me and I am determined to do everything in my power to become an Olympian."

Having attempted to qualify at welterweight (66kg), it is thought that the Dundalk native favours boxing at lightweight (60kg). 

If her transfer of allegiance is pushed through in time for Paris, there is a chance she could meet reigning Olympic champion Kellie Harrington.

An OFI statement added: “We were contacted by Amy Broadhurst who has indicated that she intends to seek a change of nationality in a bid to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games.

“We have discussed this with IABA and Sport Ireland and have expressed our disappointment, while wanting to ensure that she understands the full ramifications of this request and the advice she might be receiving if she decides to go ahead with it.

“We have indicated that if she really thinks that this is best for her as a person and an athlete after these discussions that we will not stand in her way.”