Balancing elite athletics with parenthood presents a fresh set of challenges for Amy Broadhurst following the arrival of her infant son. The decorated athlete regularly commutes to training facilities in South Yorkshire alongside her child while managing a demanding routine. “It’s tough but we’re making it work and I’m very lucky to have the support around me,” Broadhurst told Sky Sports. “He’s at the right age now where this is possible.” “He’ll come to Bulgaria with me and he comes to Sheffield every second week with me,” she continued. “Those weeks are tough because you’re doing two jobs then.” Looking ahead, she views this path as the foundation for a journey culminating at LA 2028, which will mark her final attempt at Olympic glory. “This is my last shot at the Olympics. So they know after this it’s all said and done.”
On Thursday, the European Elite Boxing Championships kick off in Sofia, Bulgaria, featuring a formidable British squad packed with Commonwealth Games victors. Among the roster is Broadhurst, who famously served as a primary training partner aiding legendary fighter Katie Taylor prior to her historic initial triumph over Amanda Serrano. Previously earning global and continental gold medals under the Irish flag, she elected to represent Great Britain ahead of the Paris 2024 qualification period. This gathering in Bulgaria marks her premier major tournament since stepping back into the ring following maternal leave.
Her initial contest earlier this year following a two-year absence from competitive ring action pitted her directly against her former nation’s squad. “My first fight back after two years was against Ireland. So that was a mad situation,” she said. “I was trying to control my feelings because obviously a lot of [stuff] went on with that whole situation.” Despite the tension surrounding the encounter, the fighter maintained her composure and focus. “I knew going in that I was going to do okay.” “But there was just a lot of ill feelings on both behalfs. I think I handled it very well. I shook hands with the coach and I showed respect. That was probably the main thing, not to get sucked into the emotional part of it.” Reflecting on that moment, she treated the outcome as a clean break from her past. “It was get in, box and move on. It was like closing the chapter on something. We shook hands and then that’s it.”
Another compelling showdown could unfold in Sofia, as double Olympic champion Kellie Harrington has entered the tournament for Ireland. Broadhurst possesses deep familiarity with the lightweight competitor, having previously traveled to Japan to assist her preparation for the 2021 Games. “I was her sparring partner for the 2021 Games,” Broadhurst said. “I was brought over to Tokyo.” A matchup between the former teammates would offer an intriguing clash in the ring. “We’ve shared the ring many times and it would be a spicy fight.” “You could meet each other,” Broadhurst noted. “You just don’t know what’s going to happen.” “I’ll take it one fight at a time.”
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