In the action-packed world of boxing, legends are crafted by the audacious few who chase dreams others deem impossible. Enter Naomi Graham, a standout in the boxing ring. Come this October at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games, she’s shooting for a feat no boxer from the USA, regardless of gender, has ever achieved: clinching gold medals in successive Pan American Games. Oh, and did I mention she represented USA Boxing in the 2020 Olympics? Talk about a double-whammy!
Growing up, young Naomi was stirred by the boxing tales of her elder sister. By the age of nine, the boxing bug had bitten her hard. Yet, her mom played hard to get, refusing to let her enter the squared circle until she matured. Finally, at 24, Naomi threw her first punch in a proper fight. But the inspiration didn’t stop with her sis. Naomi saw her mom as the epitome of grit and grace, both in and out of the squared circle. It’s no wonder that Naomi got her iron-willed spirit and unyielding resilience from her momma.
Drawing from her mother’s dedication, Naomi enlisted in the Army in February 2013. Her mom, a six-year military veteran, had clearly left a mark on young Naomi. She had often visualized herself in the army greens, sharing these dreams with her mother. Stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Naomi soon discovered that the army would lay the groundwork for her boxing journey.
Once she donned the army boots, Naomi swiftly discovered a boxing gym, where her talent couldn’t be hidden for long. Crossing paths with a sergeant from the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) was her golden ticket, leading her to the Army boxing squad. And thus, the gloves were on, and Naomi’s ascent in the boxing world began.
Now, with the Santiago Pan American Games knocking, Naomi is on the verge of rewriting the USA Boxing records. Her goal? Snatching back-to-back Pan American golds – something no American boxer has ever done. With the 75kg weight division fight looming in Santiago, Naomi is all set to mirror her brilliant 2019 show and earn another trip to the Olympic arena.
“Representing my country always sends shivers down my spine,” said Graham. “And if I manage to bring back a gold? Man, it’s going to be an overwhelming sensation!”
Humbled by her achievements and brimming with patriotism, Naomi is deep into her preparations for the Pan American Games. She knows how important her training is right now.
“Hands down, this camp’s vibe is something else. Feels special,” shared Graham. “I’ve been pushing boundaries and stepping outside my comfort zone. Knowing is one thing, executing is another. From sleep to diet to self-belief, I’ve upped my game, and boy, the energy surge is real!”
While gearing up for her next Olympic outing, Naomi’s eyes are filled with determination and purpose. She’s well aware of the mountain ahead. For many, just qualifying for the Olympics is monumental. Doing it twice? That’s stuff of legends. But Naomi’s game plan goes beyond just showing up. She’s on the prowl, hunting for another shot at Olympic glory.
“Getting to the Olympics once is a biggie,” said Graham, reflecting on the upcoming challenge. “But a second time is a rare feat. This is my moment of redemption. The first time was all blurry and unknown, but now? I’m locked, loaded, and know what’s coming.”
Naomi’s journey from a dreamy-eyed kid to the cusp of rewriting USA Boxing’s legacy is nothing short of inspirational. Her pursuit of back-to-back golds underscores her dedication to her craft and her nation. Embodying humility and patriotism, Naomi Graham reminds us that to truly be legendary, one must defy the odds. And as she steps into the ring once more, the boxing world waits with bated breath, ready to witness a history-making moment. Will she or won’t she? One thing’s certain – the boxing world won’t be the same after Santiago 2023.