Jenny Lehane focused on LA 2028 as her boxing journey continues
Michael Bolton
Having only started boxing in her 20s, Jenny Lehane's journey in the sport has seen her grow from strength to strength.
Competing in taekwondo internationally into her 20s, the switch to boxing has been a successful one.
The Meath woman began as a teacher, but outside the classroom, her priorities were always split between the two sports.
However, after 2021, it became clear what success in boxing could look like.
"It was only after two or three years I decided to park the taekwondo.
"I really admired the sport. I wasn’t too much of a boxing fan growing up, it was more so the skill involved. There is two people in a ring, with their left hand and their right hand. Just to see the skill involved, it was something that really excited me.
"Once I got into it, there was so much to learn, I think that is what inspired me."
"Once I won my first elite title in 2021, dreams started to appear in the back of my head. What could happen if I fully went at this?
"It was only after a few years bigger dreams started to develop."
Lehane achieved her dream in qualifying for Paris, where she lost to China’s Chang Yuan, who would go on to win gold.
Despite defeat, the Ashbourne boxer feels she belongs among the best in the world.
“Once it all worked out and I qualified. Even coming up against the Olympic champion in the first round, as unfortunate as it was, kind of proved to myself that I did belong in the ring with the best of the best.
"Although I was beaten, it wasn't a standout kind of loss. It was kind of a way in my mind to show myself that I'm among the best of the world. Even seeing Kellie Harrington going on to win the gold: bigger dreams are set in my mind now."
Following another Olympics which boxing was brought into controversy, there was doubts if the sport would still be part of the Olympics.
After World Boxing was recognised by the International Olympic Committee, boxing was back on the roster for LA 2028.
In the short term, Lehane is among the 17 Irish boxers competing in the World Boxing Championships in Liverpool on Thursday.
Now there is clarity over the sport's future, she can allow herself to dream about three years’ time.
“My first fight is next Thursday and hopefully going forward from that we will get onto a medal stage.
"Right now, I am focused on that next chapter, which is LA 2028.
"I suppose all I can do what is focus on what I can do in the ring. Just focus on my own tactics that my coaches and I have gone through the night before.
"All you can do is your best. If you let your mind wonder off to external things that you can't control, your mind can go in a spiral.
"Hopefully going forward, the improvements can be made, and the sport can be fair for all involved."