A KILBIRNIE boxing star has been named as one of two Ayrshire teens that will be heading to the Commonwealth Games next month.
Aaron Cullen, 18, is heading to the games in Birmingham as part of the Achieve 2022 programme.
The Herald reported last week how Ardrossan’s Brooke Neely had also been selected for the programme.
This will see 66 athletes and coaches from multiple sports take part with the group highlighted as potential Commonwealth athletes of the future.
They will travel down to get a feel for the large games environment as well as attending sport sessions.
On being selected, Aaron said. “I’d love to be fighting in Birmingham but I’m looking forward to being there and taking in the atmosphere. It’ll be a great experience and I hope to fight in four years’ time in Australia.”
READ MORE: Ardrossan teen boxer in Team Scotland Achieve 2022 programme
Aaron became a carded boxer at the age of 10 when he also won his first gold medal.
He has won Western District, Intermediate, Scottish Championships along with international gold medals. Aaron was also selected for Boxing Scotland’s Elite Group back in September 2021.
Now, in 2022, he has been to training camps and tournaments at the GB in Sheffield, Russia, Romania, Lithuania and Bulgaria.
What really put Aaron in the Achieve 2022 Programme selection spotlight was his double gold medal win, in the 54kg youth category, at recent international tournaments with Boxing Scotland.
Aaron fought in the Brasov Youth Tournament in Romania, having three bouts in as many days. He defeated the host country’s number one boxer with a thrilling performance.
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Three weeks later he went to Danas Pozniakas Youth tournament in Lithuania, and after having two fights, he claimed gold for Scotland in a dominant final performance.
Aaron said: “Winning those golds felt brilliant. As a boxer you don’t want any other medal other than gold.”
Aaron trains full time with Boxing Scotland and with his club Rob Roy.
He is sponsored by Enlighten My Day, Wedding Events and Marbill Coaches which he’d like to thank for their support.
If any other business would like to help, you can get in touch through Facebook or Instagram.
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