Cade Lucas
Former Wyndham boxer Marissa Williamson Pohlman won the Yarn Strong Sista Indigenous Achievement Award at the Victorian Young Achiever Awards on Friday night.
With the Paris Olympics coming up, she hopes it’s just a precursor for much bigger success to come.
“It gives me a lot of confidence. It’s just really good heading into Paris,” said Williamson Pohlman of the award she received at a ceremony on Friday, June 14 at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.
As well as her achievement of being Australia’s first female Indigenous Olympic boxer, Williamson Pohlman was recognised for her work as a heritage policy officer, championing Indigenous rights, promoting cultural representation and overcoming personal and professional obstacles.
Even if she hadn’t won, Williamson Pohlman said the chance for a rare night out and a break from her gruelling pre-Olympic training regime was a reward in itself.
“It’s was nice just to get my makeup and hair done and feel like a regular person for a night,” she said.
“I’m training six days a week, 13 sessions a week, so it’s pretty full on.”
Given the scale of competition the former Manor Lakes resident will be going up against, it needs to be.
“It’s the best fighters in the world, each fight is going to be challenging,” said Williams Pohlman who will fight in the welterweight division in Paris next month.
Whatever her chances, she won’t be there just to make up the numbers.
“Athletes only see one colour and it’s gold. If you’re not going for gold then you probably shouldn’t be going.”
To support Marissa Williams Pohlman in her Olympic quest, donate at: www.gofundme.com/f/marissas-road-to-the-paris-olympics.
For sponsorship opportunities email: teamrissboxing@gmail.com
