JENNY LEHANE is eyeing up an extended career break from teaching despite being on the end of a boxing master class.
The lightweight lost by unanimous decision to Chang Yuan of China who controlled the fight from start to finish.
But, having qualified for the Games at the last attempt, the Meath woman still savoured the experience and is eager for more if boxing remains on the Olympic programme for LA.
Lehane, 25, said: “It was just an incredible experience overall. I’ve never fought before as many people before in my life and in such an amazing venue.
“To hear so much support coming from the crowd was just incredible and I’ll be forever grateful for that experience alone.
“I felt I carried out the tactics well that we went through in the fight analysis last night but think I came up just a bit short against a very experienced boxer. Overall I gave everything so I can be proud of myself.
“It was a tough year last year coming to close to qualifying this time last year in the first qualifying competition and then losing in the first round in Milan in the first World qualifier. Coming back and taking that final chance I can say I deserved the right to be here and I am proud of that.”
She stopped teaching in her old primary school St Mary’s in order to pursue her Olympic ambition
And she said: “I know the kids were looking up to me so I hope I have been able to inspire a few more to follow their dream.
“I was fast tracked to the Olympic stage I think. I’ve come on so much, even in the last year I’ve improved so much, I’m just excited to see what Jenny Lehane will be like in a few years’ time.
“I’ve been enjoying being a full-time athlete so there’ll be plenty more kids to teach in the future. I think I’ll be sticking at it for a little while now.
“In saying that I love the teaching, I’ll be looking forward to a few days subbing here and there if they’ll have me back after this.
“For boxing, the Olympics is the end goal, the pinnacle of the sport, to be on the biggest stage on the planet. It would be a shame now if it wasn’t included in the future Olympics, so fingers crossed things get tidied up and we can continue to pursue that dream.”