SerpApi.Org
NICOLE Clyde knows about the luck of the draw better than most – because, in Birmingham, she got none.
The Antrim woman was excited for her first shot at the Commonwealth Games four years ago, and the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
It became more like a nightmare before a punch had been thrown, however, as the 19-year-old – still finding her feet at elite level – was paired with Nitu Ghangas in the quarter-final.
The precociously talented Indian, a two-time World youth champion, was the one everybody wanted to avoid. Clyde, to her eternal credit, bit down on her gumshield and kept firing back, even though her opponent was a class above.
Team NI coach Damian Kennedy eventually pulled her out at the end of the second round and, as expected, Ghangas went on to comfortably claim gold.
“Any other draw and I would have been okay,” says Clyde with a rueful smile, four years on.
“I was gutted [when the draw was made] - absolutely gutted. Even the coaches would have told me, if I had drawn anybody else, I would have been coming home with a medal - like, 100 per cent, I would have.
“She was unreal, but it was a good experience. It was something I needed, another wee kick up the backside maybe, just to keep pushing on.”
Up at a new weight category now, 54kg instead of 48kg – “I’m happier, I’m healthier” – the 23-year-old believes she has plenty more to give when her second coming commences in Glasgow.
“I’ve matured, I’ve grown up a bit - I don’t let things annoy me as much as they used to. I just take things as they come, and then performances come after that.
“Before, wee things would have got to me. I would have got so caught up on performance and not boxing the way I can, whereas now I get into the ring, I’m relaxed, and I’m boxing well at the minute, so we’re doing okay.
“The plan is to come home with a medal this time - that’s the big goal. It’s not just going out to gain experience this time, it’s a medal.”
