Boxer Mary Spencer is shown in Toronto on November 21, 2011. The Windsor, Ont., fighter received word that she was awarded a wild-card entry for the London Olympics. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
June 18, 2012 - 12:28 PM
WINDSOR, Ont. - Boxer Mary Spencer's Olympic dream is still alive.
The Windsor, Ont., fighter received word Monday that she was awarded a wild-card entry for the London Olympics. Spencer waited several weeks to learn her fate after failing to clinch a spot at the women's world championships last month in China.
She said she's relieved to finally know for sure she'll be competing at the Games.
"I feel stronger and even more focused right now," she said in a statement. "The route to London was not as expected, but I feel I've learned a lot and I will take those lessons with me on the final leg of the journey."
She said she has continued her preparation during the period of uncertainty.
"My coach Charlie Stewart and the rest of my team have been helping me prepare to box at the Games, and I'm looking forward to the honour of representing Canada in the ring in London," she said.
The three-time world champion has been touted as one of Canada's top medal hopefuls in London and her absence would have been a huge blow to the Canadian team.
"This is excellent news for Mary and great news for the 2012 Canadian Olympic team," said Canadian chef de mission Mark Tewksbury. "I wish her good luck in training and can’t wait to see her in the ring."
The news wasn't as good for fellow Canadians Mandy Bujold and Sandra Bizier. They also failed to qualify through the world championships but were denied wild-card spots Monday.
Spencer, 27, was the top seed in her 75-kilogram weight class but she lost her opening bout at the world championships. The event served as the Olympic qualifier.
The five-foot-11 fighter, who won gold at the Pan American Games last fall in Mexico, received the wild-card spot from the International Olympic Committee's Tripartite Commission.
In addition to being the new face of CoverGirl, Spencer is featured prominently in a splashy ad campaign from the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Her remarkable consistency took a hit earlier this spring when she dropped a 27-14 decision to Claressa Shields in the final of the American Boxing Confederation's continental championships.
Spencer, who was born in Wiarton, Ont., carried the Canadian flag at the Pan Am Games closing ceremonies.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012