Boxer juggles training and work amid funding woes

Emily Asquith started boxing at Bridlington Sports Centre when she was 11

A Bridlington boxer has become one of the best amateurs in the world despite a lack of funding preventing her from concentrating on her sport full-time.

Emily Asquith achieved a recent silver medal at the World Championships but says she struggles to balance training and full-time work due to limited funding.

The 22-year-old, from East Yorkshire, was beaten 5-0 by Australia's fully-funded Eseta Flint in the women's 80kg final in Liverpool in September.

Asquith said Sport England pay for the costs of competitions but added she relies on her parents and the financial support of local sponsors and businesses.

Her dad, Mark Asquith, 60, said: "Sport England are probably underfunded. They'd want to do more, what they do with their limited funds is astounding but it doesn't change the fact that with some other countries it's on another level."

Asquith started boxing at Bridlington Sports Centre when she was 11 and has since risen through the amateur ranks, becoming national champion in May.

The light heavyweight's career highlight to date was her silver medal at the World Championships.

Emily's parents, Mark and Maria Asquith, have supported her boxing journey

Her journey to medal success has not been without its challenges from injury to having to find funding.

She currently juggles training in Sheffield with her work commitments as a supply teaching assistant in south Yorkshire.

Asquith said: "The cost of living, rent, bills, food costs out of camp - my parents have been a massive help.

"I would not have been able to do this without them and the support of local sponsors and businesses."

The boxer added: "I've noticed my performances change between working, balancing stuff and be able to go at this full-time."

Her dad said friends have lent his daughter a car and paid for her a gym membership so she can achieve her dreams.

"The girl Emily met in the final [at the World Championships] was a full-time, fully funded athlete. It gives people an edge," he added.

But Asquith has not let the lack of funding stop her.

"There's no reason it can't happen to you as well. Being from a deprived area with less opportunities does not have to stop you," she said.

"If you can take every opportunity given to you and work hard then something good can come of it."

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