Sky Academy Scholar and boxer Jack Bateson Q&A with six months to Rio Olympics
Friday 24 March 2017 12:28, UK
What would an athlete be willing to give up to go for Olympic gold?
In the case of boxer Jack Bateson, it would be almost everything. It's nearly six months to the Rio Games and the 21-year-old from Leeds opens up about what the Olympics mean to him.
So what is the Sky Academy Sports Scholar thinking about with a huge qualifying period coming up?
And would he trade Leeds United being in the Premier League for a place in the Olympic team?
Here are Jack's thoughts.....
1. WITH SIX MONTHS TO GO, SUM UP YOUR FEELINGS IN THREE WORDS
Excited. Determined. Eager
2. WHO IS YOUR OLYMPIC HERO AND WHY?
Jessica Ennis-Hill is a special person. I train in the same gym as her in Sheffield at the EIS. To witness her achieve what she has and to work side by side with her in the gym gives me motivation.
She is proof to me that with hard work, commitment and with a good team behind you, you can make it to the top.
James DeGale is someone I look up to in boxing. Before winning Olympic gold he probably wasn't even expected to win a medal. He had a tough draw but upset all the odds. That to me is inspiring.
3. WHAT DOES THE OLYMPICS TRULY MEAN TO YOU?
The pinnacle of amateur boxing would be to make it to the Olympics. I would trade all of my achievements to date for a chance to compete for Olympic gold.
4. WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES AN OLYMPIC CHAMPION?
You've just got to look at previous winners. It's not just about ability. You have to be very special to win an Olympic gold. Your life has to evolve around becoming the best in the world, it has to be your No 1 priority.
An Olympic champion has been committed to their sport for many years and has made many sacrifices along the way. You have to be dedicated in every aspect of your life.
5. LEEDS UNITED IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE OR A PLACE IN THE OLYMPICS?
It's such a hard question! But I'm confident we will see Leeds back in the Premier League shortly.
Because I have faith in Leeds making it back up there in the next couple of years I'm going to have to say it can wait if it's getting myself to the Olympics.
6. WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS YOU WILL PACK FOR BRAZIL?
A photo album of my journey so far, to remind me of how far I've come and what I've been through to get there. A good inspirational book and of course my gum shield!
7. THERE ARE AROUND 268,000 MINUTES BEFORE RIO. WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS FOR YOU IN THAT TIME?
Improve in the areas I need to, to give me the best chance of making the team. Stay mentally focused and WIN.
8. HOW DO YOU TRY TO STAY CALM WHEN THINKING ABOUT THE OLYMPICS?
Whatever will be will be. All the hard work is done, I know I've given it my all and couldn't ask any more of myself.
WHAT'S COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS..............
JAN 16 - MARCH 5: Siobhan-Marie O'Connor, Australia
JAN 23 - FEB 1: Savannah Marshall, training camp in USA
JAN: Lucy Garner, in Australia for start of road cycling season
FEB 3-5: Jack Bateson, Bocskai tournament in Hungary
FEB 3: Mark English, racing in Dusseldorf
FEB 4: Rio Olympics - 6 months to go
FEB 6-7: Elise Christie, World Cup in Dresden
FEB 13-19: Quillan Isidore, training camp in Zolder, Belgium
