Tooting boxer Lily Bassett selected for Youth Olympics

A teenage boxer from Tooting has been selected by Team GB to compete in the upcoming Youth Olympics. Lily Bassett, 16, will represent Great Britain at the Games in Dakar, Senegal, which begin on 31 October.

Bassett recently secured her fourth consecutive junior European Championship gold medal in Serbia, competing against opponents up to three years her senior. She is one of 16 athletes across various sports who will represent Great Britain at the Games.

Coaches' high hopes

Marcus Luther, who has coached Bassett since she was six years old at his TM Boxing club, expressed confidence in her potential. He told BBC London that Bassett is "the best kid in the world" and has the talent to reach the top, drawing comparisons to Olympic gold medallist Katie Taylor. Luther also noted her significant growth in confidence since starting boxing, a change that has prepared her for public attention.

Bassett herself is ambitious, stating her belief that she can secure a place in the squad for the LA Olympics in 2028. "I've always got 100% belief and faith in myself that I can come out on top," she told BBC London. "I think LA 2028 can come true for me. I am one of the most decorated amateur boxers at my age."

Bassett is part of GB Boxing's strategy for future Olympic medal contenders, with a focus on the 2032 Games and beyond. The Dakar Games mark the fourth edition of the Youth Olympics and are the first to be held in Africa.

Her mother, Lucy Grainger, recalled how Bassett initially entered boxing lessons because her older brother was attending. "He quickly got fed up with it and wanted to do basketball instead, but Lily entered the gym and was a proper bruiser so we let her get on with it," Grainger told BBC London. She expressed immense pride and joy at her daughter's selection for the Youth Olympics.

Bassett described the upcoming trip to Senegal as "amazing" and expressed excitement about competing in the first Olympic event held on the African continent.