Positivity is key to success says GB boxer Nicola Adams
Last updated on .From the section Boxing
British flyweight Nicola Adams says she is relishing the challenge of winning an Olympic medal next summer.
Already a twice World silver medallist, the Leeds boxer, ranked third in the world, is widely expected to finish on the podium at London 2012.
"There is a lot of pressure," the 28-year-old told BBC Sport. "But I like to turn the pressure into a positive.
"The coaches have belief in me and think I can win a medal. If they think I can do it, it's a good thing."
The forthcoming European Championships in Rotterdam will be the most important tournament of the year for Britain's boxers.
As well as an opportunity to pick up valuable ranking points, it is an opportunity to show GB selectors that they are able to perform at international level.
"It also sends a message to the other boxers that there will be some stiff competition coming from the GB team next year," added Adams.
"I'm hoping to get a medal, a gold. That would be the best result in terms of ranking points and hopefully that would push me into a second-place ranking spot and an easier draw for the qualification event next year," she said.
GB Boxing's performance director Rob McCracken, who selected the five-strong European squad, said: "It will provided a benchmark of how they are progressing in the build-up to 2012.
"It is an opportunity to consolidate on the success we had at the 2010 World Championships and build on the progress we have made this year at training camps with Russia, China and Sweden."
Following solid performances in the 2009 and 2010 World Championships - in which she claimed two silver medals - Adams won the European Union Championships in Poland back in June.
But whilst she is a seasoned veteran in her sport, women's boxing will be the newest addition to the Olympic sport programme when the competition begins on 28 July 2012.
"I've been boxing since I was 12 years old," Adams told BBC Sport. "I've seen the sport since the start and seen it go from strength to strength. To have it included in the Olympics now is every athlete's dream.
"For it to be in London is a double bonus - all my friends and family will be able to watch me."
