Cambridge boxer Demie-Jade Resztan revelling in unexpected shot at qualifying for Paris Olympics

Demie-Jade Resztan had long accepted that her dream of representing Team GB at an Olympic Games was going to go unfulfilled.

It was a frustrating situation for the Cambridge boxer, given that it was a lack of opportunity rather than any technical deficiency that was preventing her from earning a shot on the biggest stage of them all.

A medal winner at the World and European Championships before she clinched silver at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year, Resztan has proven herself against the very best on numerous occasions.

But her fighting weight – 48kg – is the lightest in the sport and it is not currently fought at the Olympics, which was seemingly going to forever leave a hole on her CV.

However, following discussions with the British coaching team, Resztan is now set to get the opportunity to realise a lifelong ambition.

She will be part of a 13-strong British squad that travels to Poland on June 21 for the European Games, where she will step up a division to box at Olympic weight class and have a first attempt at securing a place at the Games in Paris next year.

“I wasn’t really looking at the Olympics. My goal had always been the Commonwealths and once I’d done that it was a case of what’s next? I can’t say the Olympics was massively on my radar,” said the 26-year-old.

“Everyone dreams of the Olympics and that was always my dream as well, but it didn’t look like it was ever going to happen.

“I was so shocked and surprised when this came up but my coaches asked me why? They told me how good I was and that I should back myself.

“I’ve always had the belief in my ability but to know the coaches believe in me, that gives me a bigger boost.

“It’s not a massive jump in terms of weight, it’s 2kg. I feel ready to go and I’m in good shape.

“Obviously it would be amazing to qualify in Poland and I feel like I could potentially make the final with the shape I’m in, but whatever happens there will be other chances.”

Resztan will spend this week in Italy at a training camp before heading to eastern Europe.