Hartlepool gets behind Olympic hopeful Savannah Marshall

Good luck Savannah Marshall in Rio '“ the whole of Hartlpepool is behind you.
Savannah Marshall with her Commonwealth Gold medalSavannah Marshall with her Commonwealth Gold medal
Savannah Marshall with her Commonwealth Gold medal

That is the message from supporters of the town boxer who is going for gold in her second Olympic Games which begin today.

Savannah, 25, is once again representing team GB on the world stage after competing in London 2012 games which ended in disappointment.

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But her previous experience, including golds in the 2012 World Championship and 2014 Commonwealth Games, should stand her in good stead saying “I feel that I’m now in a good place.”

Hartlepool’s Amanda Coulson, a legend of British female boxing and multi-medal winner, said: “All the very best Savannah in your second Olympics. Go and give it your all, we’re all behind you.”

Amanda, who boxed for Hartlepool Catholic Boxing Club, is now a national coach for England’s women’s boxing team with an emphasis on developing the next generation of talented female fighters. Savannah is one of 12 contenders in the women’s middleweight division and Amanda is confident of her chances.

She added: “A lot of the hard work has already been done in the worlds in Turkey in order to qualify which she has done which is fantastic.

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“It is going to be tough, ultimately she is up against the best boxers in the whole world but she is very capable.

“On her day Savannah can beat absolutely anybody including World and Olympic Champion Claressa Shields.”

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, has also sent his support on behalf of the town.

He said: “The town as a whole is rightly very proud of Savannah Marshall’s achievements and it is for that reason that the council commissioned a sculpture of her which is now permanently housed at The Borough Hall. It is incredible to think it has been four years since Savannah made history by becoming Britain’s first women’s world boxing champion and I want to send my very best wishes to her ahead of the Rio Games.

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“I know the Hartlepool community will be cheering her on as she tries to add an Olympic medal to her collection.”

Messages of support for Savannah also poured in on the Mail’s Facebook page.

Stephen Picton wrote: “Good luck sweetheart. The town and the UK behind you 100%”.Mandy Gough said: “You do us proud Savannah you’ve put Hartlepool on the map go n do what u do best sweetie win win win xx”.