Terris Smith: Canada's Determined Boxer Chasing Olympic Dream!
Terris Smith, a 31-year-old boxer from Victoria, British Columbia, has been making waves in the international boxing scene as she pursues her dream of competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite facing challenges both in and out of the ring, Smith has remained determined and focused on her goal.
Terris Smith Biography
Road to the Olympics
Smith's journey to the Olympics has been a steady climb. She has won four British Columbia championships and claimed bronze at the 2022 Canadian championships following a contested 3-2 split decision in the semifinals. In 2019, she won the silver medal at the national championships held on Bear Mountain. This year, Smith finally became the Canadian champion in the women's 60-kilo class, earning her spot in the Olympic qualifier for Paris.
Last-Chance Olympic Qualifier
In May 2024, Smith traveled to Bangkok, Thailand, to compete in the last-chance Olympic qualifier. She opened the tournament with a victory, defeating Aslahan Mehmedova of Bulgaria 3-0 on points in the Round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals.
"I won against Bulgaria today but have a tough fight ahead of me against Great Britain's [2022] Commonwealth Games gold-medallist [Amy Broadhurst] on Wednesday," Smith said in an email. "But they are all tough. I am going to stick to what I'm good at and have my best performance yet."
Smith's coach, Samir "Sammy" ElMais, praised her performance, stating, "Terris followed the game plan perfectly. She was able to cut the ring perfectly and land her rear hand with authority. … Her confidence showed and now everyone knows she's a threat."
Balancing Boxing and Work
As an accountant by vocation and boxer by passion, Smith has had to balance her professional life with her athletic pursuits. However, she has found support from her employer, stating, "I have a lot of support at work."
Despite her age, Smith remains determined to achieve her Olympic dream. "If it's not this Olympics, it won't be the next one [Los Angeles 2028]," she said realistically.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Smith's journey has been an inspiration to many, including her coach, Jason Heit. Heit, a well-known mentor in the Victoria fight community, boxed for Canada in the 1995 Pan Am Games and just missed the 1996 Atlanta Olympics by one spot before turning pro. He might just get to live the Olympic dream through Smith.
Terris Smith's story is one of resilience, determination, and a passion for the sport of boxing. As she continues to chase her Olympic dream, she serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a testament to the power of hard work and dedication.
Terris Smith Factsheet 2024
