CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Andrea "The Boss" Medina is only 20-years-old, but she is proving to be the epitome of hard work and dedication as she fights her way for a spot at this year's Summer Olympics.
“I like that it’s an individual sport. Nobody can help me. It’s all on me. That’s my favorite thing,” Medina said at her family's gym, Bound Boxing Academy in Chula Vista.
Medina has been boxing since the age of five, and 15 years later, she is working hard for Olympic gold. The Olympic hopeful is getting ready to compete against the best in the world.
"It’s just exciting for me and my family because this is all we’ve been working for, I’ve been working for. I’m just glad it’s right around the corner. I’m one step away," she said.
After competing in an international tournament in Bulgaria, this week Medina learned she’d made the U.S.A. Olympic boxing team.
Her first test as part of that team will be in March in Buenos Aires. If she finishes in the top three, she’ll be headed to Tokyo to represent the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
“It’s super huge,” she said. “I still can’t believe I’m one step away, but I’m super excited and can’t wait to get in the ring and get my spot.”
Juan Medina is Andrea’s coach and father.
“She’s actually the first boxer out of San Diego to make it this far,” he said.
That’s the coach side of him talking, but as a father he admits the emotions can be overwhelming.
“I don’t know how many times I’ve cried this week,” Juan said with a laugh.
“As a father, for me to say my daughter is an Olympian, you know it’s not every day one gets to say that. I’m just super proud, super excited," he said.
A father-daughter combination who is no doubt ready to take on the world.
“We’re representing San Diego so it’s an honor,” Juan said.
“It means everything for me to hear him say he’s proud of me,” said Medina about her father. “And we’re just going to make it to the top.”
Bound Boxing Academy holds weekly boxing events and classes.