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U.S. middleweight Claressa Shields won the Olympic gold medal today, beating Russia's Nadezda Torlopova.
The 17-year-old Shields from Flint beat her 33-year-old opponent.
ESPN reports Shields stuck her tongue out at Torlopova after ducking a few punches in the final round.
Shields lost early in the world championships, yet still qualified for the Olympics.
In a press release Flint Schools Superintendent, Linda Thompson said,
“We are extremely proud of Claressa’s accomplishments at the London 2012 Summer Games. Not only did she display magnificent boxing skills, but she’s also an outstanding ambassador of goodwill and sportsmanship for our country, our city and our school district. “Here at Flint Community Schools, we are full of pride to see one of our bright students perform so well on the international stage. She exemplifies the characteristics we strive to cultivate in all of our students – high expectations, dedication and perseverance. We expect all of our students to be their very best. “This young lady gave her very best and showed the world that even in a city like Flint, Michigan – despite its challenges – there are good, smart and decent young people that have dreams and ambitions. Given an opportunity and support, they can and will be positive influences and contributors to our world. “Claressa is poised for a very bright future, as her gold-medal performance is certain to open many doors of opportunity. We are looking forward to Claressa completing her senior year at Northwestern High School and moving onto college as she continues to strive for new heights in her boxing career and life.”
And Northwestern High School Principal Cheryl Adkins said,
%22Gender%20is%20no%20longer%20a%20barrier%20for%20whatever%20you%20want%20to%20accomplish.%22%20-Northwestern%20High%20School%20Principal%20Cheryl%20Adkins“For our students, Claressa has shown what’s possible if you’re prepared to work, endure and sacrifice. She envisioned a path for herself, which was to win a gold medal at the Olympics, and how she was going to accomplish it. “For our young ladies, she has demonstrated that you can do what young men can do if you set your mind to it. “The Northwestern family and community are all very proud of her."
-Elaine Ezekiel, Michigan Radio Newsroom
