MILDURA boxing trailblazer Lainesia Toutai has added another historical notch to her belt.
In a first for Sunraysia, the undefeated 15-year-old has been selected to represent Australia at America’s oldest and biggest amateur boxing event in Arizona.
Toutai, who has boxed for just over 12 months, was selected for the Gene Lewis International following a week-long training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport.
Toutai will head to the event in November and compete in a knock out tournament facing the world’s best amateur boxers.
The event replaces the Youth World Championships which were cancelled due to changes in the structuring of amateur boxing worldwide.
Coaches Jackson and Steve Ladd said it was a huge opportunity for Toutai.
“It’s really good, it is a huge achievement for our club and boxing in Mildura,” Jackson said.
“She couldn’t get anything better in her first year of boxing and to make the Australia team and go to America is really rare.
“It is rare for someone from Mildura to do it but it is not rare for someone with this level of talent.”
Steve echoed the sentiments.
“It is a great opportunity a lot of people never get the opportunity to represent Australia overseas and hopefully this is one of many,” he said.
They said they were now focused on getting Toutai prepared for the tough competition she will face.
“The preparation will be no different to normal, she will train hard, we are treating it the same as any other camp, ” Jackson said.
“We have brought in some more strength and conditioning and working on core strength and leg fitness, but other than that we won’t do anything different because what we are doing is working for us,” Steve said
“I just want her fitter and developing her running which will develop stronger lungs, core and legs.”
Ladds Boxing are now looking to put on a fundraiser to raise money for the trip.
