Ffion shows total commitment and is a great flag-bearer for girls' boxing

16 year old Ffion Wilmott’s friends would describe her as a quiet young lady and that is true but put her in a boxing ring and she becomes what her coach Graham Brockway would describe as being ‘something of a tigress’ as soon as she trains or climbs into the squared ring.

She is already a gold and silver medalist at the British Championships for her age group and another feature of her competitive spirit is the fact that whenever she loses a bout she just knuckles down and it makes her all the more determined to do well by training even harder!

Manchester-bound at short notice

She is also ready to accept a challenge because a few weeks ago coach Graham had a phone call on a Wednesday morning asking if Ffion would take on a bout in Manchester on the Friday evening - and although she was a little hesitant, at first after discussions with her and dad Nigel they accepted and the three of them were on their way to Manchester.

It was a big challenge but she took it in style because not only did she beat a very well-thought of opponent she gained a unanimous verdict as a real bonus.

Ask Ffion about support and she would be quick to sing Graham’s praises for the way she has progressed in such a short while after joining the Merlin’s Bridge stable of boxers a few months ago after her previous stint with Ken Owen at the Station Yard Gym in Letterston, but more of that later.

Moving forward in all sorts of ways

“Graham has really made me make another big step up in training and diet,” she told us. “Although I have always enjoyed training in the gym I hated road running but now I do three three-mile runs every week around our home in Goodwick and although it’s not my favourite part of my week I now know that it’s important that I don’t miss it.

“My diet has also improved because to be honest I love kebabs and other junk foods but now I have weetabix for breakfast and main mails revolve around rice, chicken and fish as my main foods - and I’ve also given up my favourite pudding - cheesecake!

Brilliant help at the Station Yard ABC – and at home

“But it is my dad who has been my major influence since I started out as an 11 year old after he asked me if I wanted to try boxing as part of self defence and at first I said no, but gradually came around to the idea and went to try it at the Station Yard Club in Letterston.

“I was very nervous but Ken was brilliant and after giving me some confidence I tried sparring with a 14 year old boy who went there - and I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed it and the boy wouldn’t spar with me again!

“Dad comes everywhere with me now, including all the trips for training in Merlins Bridge on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as travelling on weekends with regular training sessions at Sophia Gardens with the Welsh Squad

“My mum Hayley isn’t keen on sport but has always given me great support from home - and my brother Iestyn (11) is already a good rugby and football player, and has started training with Ken in Letterston.

Other sports

“As well as my boxing I have played netball and rugby on my course at the Pembrokeshire College and I also played hockey as a midfielder with Fishguard Hockey Club’s junior section. 

In 2019, I went for trials in Swansea with the Welsh junior hockey team and there were over 200 girls there so I was pleased when I was chosen for the squad - and proud to play for Wales but surprised when my parents had to pay for my kit, which was disappointing because they were already travelling so much to training sessions.”

 

More praise for ‘brilliant’ Ken

Back on the boxing front, Ffion is also hugely grateful for the support provided byKen Owen , who set her on the road to success as he quickly recognised her natural talent and ability when she started out.

“I had my first bout in Swansea; an exhibition contest against another newcomer so there was no winner or loser, but it was a real experience to box in front of a big crowd - and the time flew by before the final bell came. But Ken said I had made a good start so I was pleased with the medal I was given.

Undoubted highlights

Ask Ffion about highlights and she would be sure to nominate her winning of the British Championship at her first attempt.

“We made the very long journey to Barnsley, in Yorkshire, and in front of another big crowd I was thrilled in the final when I gained an anonymous points decision and then received my winner’s medal which I now keep at home.

“A week later we made another very long journey when I boxed at a club show all the way down south in Plymouth and it was well worth it because I won again on a clear-cut points’ verdict - this time against the girl who had reached the semi-finals seven days before but lost to my opponent from the championships.”

This year Ffion went to the finals, again in Barnsley, and lost narrowly on points in the final but says she has certainly learned from the experience and is training hard.

Her current training sessions include warm-up exercises like running on the spot and circuits including press ups and sit ups etc, then 10 rounds on the heavy bags and another three on the pads before sparring, which she loves despite having to take on boys.

As well as her four trips each week to Merlins Bridge she also trains at home with Nigel and readily admits that she hates days when there is no training because she recommends it as a great way to maintain healthy mental health.

She is a great ambassadress for boxing and general keep fit and says she hopes any other girls who read this article might be tempted to try it out.

“It’s not just about being in the ring but also having a focal point for exercise,” she admits,  and we at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk can only say that chatting to Ffion Wilmott or reading her story would be a great first step for any youngster in our county!