But before I so conclude, I will also link you to the excellent long form documentary (on PBS's "Independent Lens") that covers the tough time she's had -- leading up to, and after winning gold last time around -- in London, in 2012. Do watch it -- very well made. And for now, there is this very bright resolution -- to that earlier drama. Hopefully, this time 'round, the folks in Colorado Springs, at the USOC, will get her connected to marketing agents of note. That smile belongs on a Wheaties box.
. . . .Flint’s Claressa Shields made history this afternoon, becoming the first U.S. boxer to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals, defeating the Netherland’s Nouchka Fontijn in the women’s middleweight. . . .
This is gold medal story of survival, escaping from poverty and a difficult childhood, bouncing between 11 homes by the time she was 12, turning all of that pain into a champion boxer.
It is a story of growth and maturity.
After winning the gold at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Shields did not get the money or fame or endorsements that she expected. She was perceived to be strong, tough and fierce but didn’t have a marketing team behind her. After winning the gold medal, life didn’t get easier. When everybody thought Shields had become rich, there she was, going to a collection agency to pay her mother’s past-due water bill. . . .
With this win, Shields becomes the most successful U.S. Olympic boxer in history – the only one to win two gold medals. . . .
That is quite grin-worthy, indeed. Off now, to the train stations. . . keep it spinnin' in good karma, one and all.
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