ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI16-year-old girl boxing her way into the Olympics

16-year-old girl boxing her way into the Olympics

(01/26/12) - She's 16 and looking to deliver a knockout punch. Claressa Shields of Flint is competing for a spot at the London Olympic Games. "My whole goal period is to win 2012 Olympic gold medal."

She weighs in at 165 pounds, she's solid, she's tough, and she has a heart of a champion. The Flint Northwestern junior entered the ring five years ago.

At 19 and zero, Shields dominates her competition. Right now, she's training for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials next month in Spokanem, Washington. "I'm just a God fearing lady and I really love to compete."

Former Flint Golden Glove Jason Crutchfield pushes Claressa to be at the top of her game. "I'm a witness that females can do it too and some can be just as good as the males."

Crutchfield said he knew right away Shields had talent. "I couldn't understand why a female would want to box back then. After I had her for a few weeks, I knew she had potential and she had the zing for boxing."

"It takes a lot of sacrifice to be different. I can't go to basketball games because I have to be down here in the gym, can't go wrestling, because I have to train. If you really want something, you got to be put all of your time in."

Perhaps Claressa's love of boxing came from her father, who was the first person who brought her to gym. She said despite his time spent in prison, they have developed a close bond over a sport they both love. "I just want to make him happy."

Claressa takes one day at a time, knowing she has what it takes to compete at the highest level. "I still believe I'm number one even though I'm ranked number six. They are all working hard to beat me. The best is going to come out on top, and the best is me."

If Shields qualifies in February, she moves on to China to compete. If she does well there, then she's on her way to London for the summer games.