Fast Learner:
At 16 years of age, Claressa Shields was the youngest boxer at the U.S. Olympic trials in February 2012. Giving up years of experience to her fellow competitors, she nevertheless won the 165 pound weight class. Three months later, shortly after her 17th birthday, Shields qualified to compete at the 2012 Olympics in London. If everything goes according to plan, when
she returns to high school in the fall, she'll do so as a Gold medalist.
Boxing in the Blood:
Claressa was initially attracted to boxing when she heard stories of her father's exploits in the ring. Clarence "Cannonball" Shields was an amateur boxer who went to prison for breaking and entering when Claressa was two and wasn't released until she was nine. She asked for permission to follow in his footsteps but was
told boxing is a "man's sport". Claressa persisted and, at the age of 11, her father finally took her to the gym … and the rest is history.
Career Highlights:
Shields is the winner of two Junior Olympic championships. At the 2011 National Police Athletic League Championships, she won the middleweight class, was named the top overall fighter and qualified for the U.S. Olympic trials. At the U.S. Olympic trials she was again named the tournament's outstanding boxer as she defeated the reigning national champion and the 2010 world champion on her way to winning the middleweight class. She was upset in the second round of the 2012 AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships in China but - based on some convoluted qualifications - had still done enough to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.
By the Numbers:
- Weight Class: Middleweight/165 Pounds
- Birthdate: March 17, 1995
- Age: 17
- Height: 5-9
- Birthplace: Flint, MI
- Hometown: Flint, MI
- Residence: Flint, MI
- Coach: Jason Crutchfield
- Club: FWC Berston
- School: Junior at Flint Northwestern High School
- Began Boxing: 2006
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