Home   Gravesend   Sport   Article

100 days to Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Cheavon Clarke set for Paris qualification event in June

Cheavon Clarke has already boxed at some of the biggest events but qualifying for the Olympics would top the lot.

The Gravesend puncher has won bronze medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2019 European Games but knows neither would compare to competing in Tokyo this summer.

With 100 days to go until the delayed Olympic Games get under way, he said: “I have never been to the Olympics before, the European Games were amazing, and the Commonwealth Games, wow!

“The boys that have been to the Olympics have told me it is on another level so it will be not only history in my family, it would be life changing.”

Olympic qualifiers had started in London back in March but were suspended amid the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hopefuls will now head to Paris for the resumption of the European Boxing Road to Tokyo qualifiers, which will run from June 4 to June 8.

The heavyweight boxer has taken the delays in his stride and is well placed to cope, with great support from GB Boxing.

He said: “Lockdown has been a little up and down but that’s been the same for everyone, I have been in a very fortunate position to be on the GB Boxing team who have put in place procedures for us to be able to continue our preparations for the Olympics so it has not been so bad for us.

Cheavon Clarke will head to Paris in June to try and qualify for the Tokyo Olympics Picture: Steve Crispe
Cheavon Clarke will head to Paris in June to try and qualify for the Tokyo Olympics Picture: Steve Crispe

“I was really looking forward to performing infront of our nation (for the London qualifiers) in the capital and performing infront of friends but that is not going to happen and we have to get on with it.

“We will get on with it and prepare the best we can. We want to just go out and perform.

“The delays have effected a lot of people but, for some they will have prepared and peaked at the right time, but it has helped me sharpen the tools and add a bit more to the artillery.

“I am not sure how many athletes from Kent have been to an Olympics but it would be great to put my name on that list.”

Before the qualification event in Paris, Cheavon will be heading to Serbia for a couple of warm-up bouts to get prepared.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More