Boxer who missed his grandfather’s funeral reveals why he has NO regrets as he pays emotional tribute after Olympic Games win
- Charlie Senior has paid tribute to his grandfather
- The Australian missed his grandfather Dennis’ funeral
- He won his fight at the Olympics on Wednesday
Australian boxer Charlie Senior has paid an emotional tribute to his grandfather following his Olympic victory.
The 22-year-old senior wore a mouthguard with his grandfather Dennis’ name engraved on it as he claimed a split decision victory over Vasile Usturoi in Paris.
The Australian missed Dennis’ funeral, which ended his battle with cancer just before the Olympic qualifiers in December last year, meaning Senior was unable to travel to his native England to pay his last respects.
“I unfortunately wasn’t able to go to the funeral or see him (before he passed away),” Senior told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“That was my piece for him. My mother, father and my little sister are here. My grandmother, Dennis’ wife, is here and travelled from England. She supports me and that’s a big thing.”
Senior said he had no regrets about missing Dennis’ funeral, stressing that his sacrifices will be rewarded if he can achieve his Olympic dream.
Charlie Senior has paid an emotional tribute to his late grandfather
Australian Olympic boxer Senior missed his grandfather’s funeral to pursue his dream in Paris
“You can’t be there for everything. I’ve missed a lot. But I would do it again. I miss things for the right reasons.”
Senior, who was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire and moved to Perth at the age of two, says the memory of his grandfather will motivate him to compete in the men’s 57kg class in Paris.
“I’m sure I’ll make him proud,” Senior said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Australian boxing captain Caitlin Parker delivered a stunning performance to advance to the women’s 75kg class.