Ellis Trowbridge believes the setbacks in his boxing career have become his greatest strength as he prepares to make his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow.
From disappointment to opportunity
The 24-year-old from Worcester Park in South London has experienced the highs and lows that come with elite sport, but rather than dwelling on the disappointments, such as missing out on a place at Paris 2024, he has used them to fuel his rise to one of the biggest opportunities of his career.
Now, after earning selection in the 55kg bantamweight division, Trowbridge heads north of the border eager to prove that resilience can be just as important as talent.
"The journey to this point has been full of ups and downs, as any elite athlete will tell you," said Trowbridge, who won a bronze at last year's World Boxing Cup in India. "But for me personally, the downs are actually more important than the ups. Had I let those downs keep me away from the sport and not allow me to progress, I wouldn't even be sat here right now."
Using setbacks as fuel
"I'm going to use all of those setbacks and times where things didn't go to my advantage, and I'm going to use that as extra fuel and strength going into the Commonwealth Games," Trowbridge added. "To anyone out there that maybe has faced setbacks or is going through a bit of a bad patch, don't let it stop your progress. Keep going, and eventually opportunities will open up. My opportunity right now is the Commonwealth Games, and I'm going to make the very most of it."
Preparation and inspiration
Trowbridge has spent the build-up splitting his time between the Great Britain programme in Sheffield and his home gym, Surbiton Boxing Club, where he has worked to fine-tune every aspect of his performances ahead of Glasgow. Representing Team England is a moment he has dreamed about since watching previous Commonwealth Games, inspired by champions such as Galal Yafai, Peter McGrail and Delicious Orie.
"Heading into the Games, preparation has been fantastic," he said. "I've been working closely with the coaches up in Sheffield to ensure that I'm in peak performance and peak physical condition. I've been working back at home with the coaches at Surbiton, working on things that maybe haven't been going so right to ensure that, going into the Commonwealth Games, I'm ready to deliver."
Family pride and gold medal goals
Selection for the Games was a proud moment for both Trowbridge and his family, who have shared every step of his journey and every setback along the way. He added: "Telling my loved ones that I had been selected for the Commonwealth Games was amazing. They were so happy. Having had to come back from the setbacks and the disappointments in the past, to be able to now say that I'm going to the Commonwealth Games after all of that is a massive achievement for myself, and it makes my family extremely proud."
"My goals for the Commonwealth Games are, firstly, to enjoy it and make the most of it. Secondly, it's to go and win that gold medal. I'm going to bring that home to England and add that medal to my trophy cabinet at home. Thirdly, put on a show. Get everyone excited and show them what I'm all about. I'm ready to go," Trowbridge concluded.
