Four years ago, 26-year-old Terris Smith tried boxing for the first time.

B次元官网网址淚t was pretty random, I was just down at Studio 4 and one of the trainers held up pads for me and I really liked that,B次元官网网址� Smith said. B次元官网网址淎nd then I did Fight for the Cause and that was my first fight and I just knew that I loved it and I wanted to compete ever since.B次元官网网址�

Smith, who came out of Boxing CanadaB次元官网网址檚 2019 Super Channel Championship last week with a silver medal, said she trained very hard to get to where she is.

READ ALSO: BC Boxing brings championship bout to Bear Mountain

The national championship was held in Langford last week at the Bear Mountain Resort. Smith is from Victoria and said it was great to be able to fight with a big crowd of supporters cheering her on.

As a female in boxing, Smith went into the competition with less fights under her belt than her male teammates. She had 10 fights before making her debut at the national championships.

B次元官网网址淪ometimes it can be hard to find a fight but the whole team here is super supportive and I got to spar with the guys and another girl here who is my number one sparring partner,B次元官网网址� Smith said.

To help her prepare, Smith and her coach went to Los Angeles to fight two California State champions and get her ready for her biggest competition yet.

B次元官网网址淲e were super busy going into nationals we started with the provincials in December and then we trained pretty hard after that,B次元官网网址� Smith said. B次元官网网址淲e were super prepared for the nationals.B次元官网网址�

Getting into the ring is definitely nerve wracking for Smith but as soon as she gets into the ring she said she focuses on the fight and her nerves slip away.

READ ALSO: National championship boxing event to take place in Langford

While she didnB次元官网网址檛 win gold this time around, sheB次元官网网址檚 aiming for it next time and said she learned what skills she should improve on for the future.

While sheB次元官网网址檚 eager to get back to training, Smith said sheB次元官网网址檚 been told to take the week off and rest before getting back to it.

Smith said she isnB次元官网网址檛 sure why not as many females are into the sport but her advice to those that are interested is to go for it. Besides being a great workout, Smith said itB次元官网网址檚 a fun time and that coaches like hers are willing to work people of all levels.

B次元官网网址淕ive it a go,B次元官网网址� Smith said. B次元官网网址淵ou can always get into recreational boxing, I definitely recommend it.B次元官网网址�

shalu.mehta@goldstreamgazette.com

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