Guernsey’s lone boxer at Games

GOLD COAST: In the history of the Commonwealth Games, no athlete had ever represented Guernsey in boxing.
Not until Billy Le Poullain stepped into the ring at Oxenford Studios on the opening day of competition.
Guernsey has a population of 63,000 and there is just one boxing club on the island, the Guernsey Amalgamated Boxing Club.
Although Le Poullain didn’t win his fight on Thursday, his achievements inspired a nation — and new generation — of boxers, putting the small nation in the English Channel on the boxing world map.
“Everyone at home is so very proud and it marks a new beginning for the sport,” Guernsey Chef de Mission Garry Collins told GC2018.com.
Walking into the ring, Le Poullain had his mum, sisters, girlfriend and girlfriend’s mum in the stands, the Guernsey flag proudly on display and their voices heard across the arena.
It was the second time in 24 hours that he’d experienced the electric atmosphere of a major Games, with Le Poullain taking part in the Opening Ceremony the night before.
When he entered the Parade of Nations, Le Poullain got goosebumps.
“I had goosebumps the whole time,” he told GC2018.com. “It’s a bit surreal, when they call Guernsey’s name it’s like you’re a little kid and you’re sat in assembly and you win an award.
“Everyone’s looking at you and you’re only five, six years of age – that’s what it felt like.
“I think it was 35,000 people in there and they were all cheering and I could see the odd Guernsey flag everywhere and I was just buzzing.”
Le Poullain started boxing when he was 11, admiring the likes of Manny Pacquiao.
“It was the pinnacle of sport,” Le Poullain said.
“As I was coming through the ranks, it was motivating to see. Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather both came from nothing so a little bit of hard work goes a long way.”
Now, he’s driven to be the best. Make no mistake, Le Poullain wants gold and he won’t stop until he gets there.
After a long-awaited treat, “Pizza. And some chocolate and some ice cream”, and some recovery time, it’s straight back into training.
“I love being the first person to [compete at a Games for Guernsey] and I’m just motivated by being the best,” he said.
“I’m going to let my body heal because it’s been through hell the last six months.” – gc2018