Welsh boxer Lauren Price has won Olympic gold in the women’s middleweight final. The former footballer had a difficult start in life, and was raised by her grandmother and grandfather. Here’s more on Price’s parents and her upbringing.
Boxer Lauren Price wins Olympic gold
Lauren Price has won an Olympic boxing gold medal after beating China’s Li Qian in the women’s middleweight final.
Olympic Games Tokyo 2020: The Official Video Game – Olympics Celebration Trailer
The Welsh fighter gained a 5-0 points victory in the final in Tokyo, joining Nicola Adams as only the second British woman to win an Olympic boxing gold.
“I can’t really put it into words – it’s a dream come true,” Price told BBC Sport.
Price’s grandmother is her biggest fan
27-year-old Price has had quite the career, being a former world kickboxing champion and playing football for Wales.
She played 52 times for the nation across all age groups, including two senior caps, before focusing on boxing.
Lauren’s aunt revealed to South Wales Argus that the boxer’s 91-year-old grandmother has supported her all the way. She added she remains her biggest fan to this day.
“My mum doesn’t watch because she just gets too worked up – she shakes, she feels sick. She doesn’t want to start watching now in case she jinxes it,” Lauren’s aunt said.
“We’re all very close, but my mum always texts her inspirational messages every day, saying she can’t believe she got this far.
Lauren Price’s parents and her relationship with her grandparents
Lauren Price is not close with her parents and they gave her up when she was a baby.
She was born in Newport on June 25, 1994, and was given up by her parents just three days later.
Eventually, Lauren’s grandparents, Derek and Linda Price, took her in.
Sadly, Lauren’s grandfather Derek passed away in November. In an emotional interview, Price dedicated her gold medal to him and also to her grandmother Linda.
“It’s for him and my nan – I knew he would be looking down on me today and all week really,” she said.
“I can’t really put into words what they’ve done for me over the years, I just love them both so much.
“Big shout out to my nan, I can’t wait to see her and show my medal off.”