Too young to realise, but when Paige Robinson at 12 years of age, followed her older brother Cohen, through the doors of the Impact Boxing and Fitness Centre Cooroy, she was indeed, taking a walk with destiny.
The only reason she was doing so was to be with her big brother and watch him train
Now, at 17 years of age and in her last year at Noosa District High, this young lady training under Impact head coach Mark Evans has achieved a remarkable distinction.
Paige has been chosen as the only female to represent her country as a member of the Australian Amateur Boxing Team which will contest the IBA Elite Youth Men and Women’s 2022 World Boxing Championships. The championshipswill be contested from 14-26 November in the city of La Uncia, Spain.
For the people of La Uncia, this will be a big celebration. Not only will they host the world championships, but will also celebrate 100 years of boxing for the Spanish Boxing Federation. Prior to this their biggest tournaments were continental events.
With amateur boxing being as big as it is in Europe and England, it is sure to be a massive event. This event will also be a special for the Impact Club. As well as Paige being selected, Mark Evans Impact coach was also appointed head coach of the Australian team.
With a record of 25 wins from some 30-plus fights, she has claimed four state titles the Australian Golden Gloves and now the Australian Championship in the 60kg division.
To round off the year, she was awarded Best Australian Female Boxer for 2022.
How does a young girl achieve such a record?
Her reply was simple. “I love boxing. My life revolves around it. I train five days a week and love every minute of it.”
And mum, what was her response to her daughter taking up such a tough and sometimes brutal sport?
“Well at first she was a little bit nervous, but now,” she said with a big smile, “she’s OK.”
Regarding her selection in the team, she received the news from coach Evans via the phone.
“When I heard the news, I must be honest, it was pretty bloody good. Everyone was happy for me. I just could not believe it, selected in the Australian team for the World Titles. It really was an unbelievable moment.”
“I was not surprised,” said Evans.
“She is a great trainer, is well disciplined, and completed dedicated, never late for training, always on time.”
However, a short time after the announcement, there was another pleasant surprise .
Along with her national team mates, plus an elite team, aged 19 and above, she was sent to Thailand for a two-week advanced training camp.
“It was pretty tough. We trained three to four hours daily, but it was good. The atmosphere was great and everyone was very friendly. The people were really cool, you couldn’t ask for better”.
As with all champions, her biggest asset is her coach and in this area her relationship with coach, Mark Evans could not be better. Apart from her membership of the Impact club, of which Mark is owner/head coach, she has for some time been a member of the Queensland Future Squad of which Mark was also coach.
Her journey through boxing has seen her attend training camps in such places as Perth, Adelaide, and the Australian Institute of Sport, based in Canberra. Also, there was the occasion when to get more fights and experience it became necessary to travel to New Zealand.
Such is her dedication to the sport, that she has recently finished studying and training for her Junior Coaching Accreditation Certificate.
“This makes her the first junior female in Australia to achieve this award. It is a great indication as to her dedication and ability to communicate with the very young members of the club.”
For Paige it couldn’t be better.
“I really get a kick out of helping people, in particular our little members of the Pee Wee club . Starting at age five, they train Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It really is a fun thing for all involved, parents and all.”
“And,” she added, “It is something I really enjoy.”
Proud to say, this young lady is one of our people.
It comes as no surprise that when discussing her future she states, “It is only early times, but at present I am hoping for a career at some level in the world of sport.”
To Page Robinson, Australian amateur boxing champion, we wish her well.
Round-up on the Noosa Tri
The Wednesday morning Run Swim Run (Adults),was a good result for the Noosa Heads surf club. In the Male Division Kilian Carrel, finished first, Taj Ryan second and Nolan Carrel forth. The Female Division saw Finella Gibbs-Beal first and Lola Gibbs- Beal third. Good prospects for the season ahead.
Another Noosa Triathlon has been and gone and with an estimated 7000 competitors on Sunday, it can be acknowledged as a success. Well done to all involved, in particular all the volunteers from clubs and organisations who put up their hands to help.
The water safety patrols for the swim leg of the Noosa Tri were once again spot on, with lifesavers from both Sunshine Beach and Noosa Heads covering both the rescue board patrols and the IRBs. The swimmers were covered by a total of 20 rescue board patrol members, with 10 from each club, and four IRBs with two each from the clubs.
The patrol members hit the water at 6am and at the end of the swim leg with patrolling and wash down finished, their duties ceased at noon. A big thank you to both Sunshine and Noosa surf clubs
