Nicola Adams: A Woman for the History Books

​ ​Popping into a children’s boxing class sparked a multitude of memories for double gold Olympic medalist Nicola Adams. This past summer, Nicola stopped by Ipswich Boxing Club in Suffolk, England, to run a masterclass. Her presence was admired by many of the athletes, and this session was one of many ways Nicola has influenced the world of up-and-coming youth boxers.

Nicola’s story is one to remember. At the 2012 London Olympics, Nicola entered the boxing ring with passion and perseverance, leading to her victory in the flyweight women’s boxing event. She was the first woman to ever win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. Her initial success was then reciprocated four years later during the 2016 Rio Olympics when she won again. 

Nicola’s story is not only one of resilience through sport; she is also a major advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout her time in the spotlight, Nicola has proudly showcased her identity and place in the community. In 2020, she stood strong through the hatred of being the first same-sex couple on the British television show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. Now, she attends many speaking events and constantly addresses the negativity she faces in the public eye. She is also the newest host of the BBC LGBT Sport Podcast. Her activism in promoting acceptance in boxing and the world has been incredibly significant, especially for the younger generation. 

Nicola retired from boxing in 2019 due to concerns about her vision; however, she continues to make an effort to connect to the sport in various ways. Running the masterclass over the summer was one example. She believes boxing gives youth members a sense of purpose and direction. Telling BBC, “‘It helped me out a lot when I was younger... It gave me focus and drive and something to dedicate my life to.’" 

Although she is no longer actively boxing, her passion has certainly not disappeared, and her drive to inspire continues to grow. Specifically, she hopes to encourage more LGBTQ+ members and women to participate in boxing. There has always been a divide among participants in sport, and her message is one way of sealing it. She is a wonderful ambassador for what the sport represents, and her story of tenacity is admirable for all future generations of boxers.