Anja returns from Spain with silver medal

Umina PCYC boxer Anja Stridsman, has won a silver medal in the 2019 International Boxam Elite, the three-day European Union boxing championships held in Castellon, Spain, from May 16-19.

Anja was joined by fellow Umina PCYC boxer Kay Scott in contesting the women's competition for Boxing Australia.

Kaye got off to the rough start in the competition, finding herself matched against Commonwealth Games gold medallist representing the England, Sandy Ryan.

Despite a solid attempt from Kaye, she went down to Ryan in a split point decision and was eliminated from the competition.

Kaye said she knew she was in for a challenge going into the bout.

"I boxed well, but unfortunately fell short in a split decision loss.

"It was a competitive match that I probably threw away in the last round.

"I was a little impatient and didn't prepare my attacks well enough.

"Lots of positives to take away though," Kaye said.

Anja fared better in her quarterfinal qualifier, overcoming Belgium's Bianca Ciccarelli who threw in the towel.

Anja qualified for the semi-finals after beating New Zealand's Troy Grant and then the finals after toppling France's Amina Zidani.

In the final of the Women's 60kg division, Anja was up against Finland's Mira Potkonen.

Despite Anja's best efforts, Potkonen took the match on points, leaving Anja in second place with a silver medal.

Anja said she had thoroughly enjoyed her time on the European Boxing Circuit and said she was proud of team Australia's performance in the Boxam Elite.

"I end my Spanish conquest with a silver medal after losing a good fight to Mira Potkonen.

"It's been a journey of learning and development, trying to wade my way through expectations and disappointment, but I feel like I'm finally finding my way back to the boxer that I need to be, moving forward.

"It was a super successful tournament overall for team Australia with three golds and my silver, so overall great performances," she said.

SOURCE:

Website, 19 May 2019

Alex Jones, Boxing Australia

Social media, 19 May 2019

Kaye Scott, Umina PCYC

Anja Stridsman, Umina PCYC