'Medals are great, but there is much more to life'

Michaela Walsh

In the not too distant past, there was nobody who wanted a gold medal more than Michaela Walsh.

At the Tokyo Olympics, and the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games, there was pride that she gave it everything, but you could also sense the heartbreak.

After two Commonwealth Games of standing on the second step of the podium, Walsh got her moment when she won gold in Birmingham in 2022.

It had been a long time coming, and while Walsh says it "meant a lot" to win gold, she adds "I wasn't only there for that".

"If I'm being honest it wasn't really about winning the gold medal," the 31-year-old said.

"Maybe when I was younger it was about that, but when I went to those Games it wasn't.

"People said to me that I had two silvers and had to get the gold, but I didn't look at it like that.

"I really enjoyed the lead up to it and wanted to enjoy the experience, and because I went into the competition like that I think it is why I won the gold medal."

Heading to Paris, the Belfast boxer knows she will be in contention for gold if she performs at her best.

But again, the Olympics means so much more than just a medal.

"I've always wanted to be an Olympic medallist. That's what I'm going to go into Paris and aim for.

"But you can be a medal winner, but how are you making people feel or how are you inspiring the next generation?

"I think that says a lot more about the person. I like to think I'm a good person.

"Having that legacy and pathway for younger people to look at, it's not always about the medal."

'I'm not putting any extra pressure on myself'

Walsh exited in the last-16 of her first Olympics at the delayed 2020 Games in Tokyo, which took place without her friends and family - bar brother Aidan, who was also competing - due to the lingering Covid restrictions in Japan.

She admits the upcoming Games will be a "whole new experience" and she will "really try to savour and enjoy it".

Walsh feels she has learned "not to focus too much on chasing a medal" and she has developed not only as a fighter since Tokyo, but as a person too.

"I'll just try and be in the moment because not everyone gets to go to an Olympic Games once in their life, never mind twice.

"I know I have an ability to win a medal, but I'm not putting any more pressure on myself.

"The older you get the more you learn about yourself. Boxing is just a sport. It's important to remember that as well."

Tears of heartbreak and tears of joy: After a silver medal in 2014 and 2018, Michaela Walsh finally won Commonwealth gold two years ago

Walsh booked her ticket to Paris in June 2023 in the European Games in Krakow, where she claimed a bronze medal.

While many of her team-mates had to wait until spring to qualify, Walsh says that having the extra time to prepare for the Olympics has allowed her to focus on where she needs to improve, rather than looking towards her next bout.

"You're always trying to improve, even if it is just 1% a day. Even if that's in your recovery and nutrition and being able to work on things.

"When you are going to tournaments you are always working on the things you do best, but I've been able to spend a bit of time in the ring working on any flaws.

"It's been good to have that year to work on certain things and being able to bring that into Paris is very exciting."

Aidan 'really brave' after mental health struggles

Another reason for Walsh's renewed perspective is the journey that Aidan, four years Michaela's junior, has been on with his mental health.

There are few siblings closer in sport than Michaela and Aidan, who took 14 months away from the sport.

They are each other's biggest supporters.

"Aidan speaking about it was so, so courageous," Michaela said.

"Boxing is only a small part, it's not who you are. Everyone struggles in different ways but it is important to talk to people and get the help you need.

"We're lucky enough to have great family and great partners and a great team".

Aidan and Michaela Walsh both won gold medals for Northern Ireland at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

Michaela has not been immune to some personal struggles, and she is "in a better place" for seeking help.

"I know at times I've needed help, asked for help and got what I needed.

"I think just being brave enough to stand up and say, 'listen, I'm just a normal person and I do need a bit of help'. It's very brave."

While Michaela had qualified a year in advance, Aidan, who made a last-ditch decision to try and qualify for the Olympics, clinched the final remaining Paris spot in the light-middleweight division at the concluding qualifier in Bangkok in early June to reach the Games.

She admits it was "nerve-wracking" waiting to see if he would qualify, but he is "one of the most talented people I've ever seen".

"People think I'm biased because I'm his sister, but just the stuff I see him do day in, day out. The talent he has is phenomenal.

"I didn't really want to be going without him. To be able to have him with me is something special."