Jon McConnell's decision to forgo a spot on the popular reality TV show Love Island has paid off in the most unexpected way – he's just won Northern Ireland's first Commonwealth Games boxing gold in 12 years.
The 23-year-old turned down the chance to appear on the show and instead headed to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he faced off against Wales' Orlando Holley-Sotomi in the men's 70kg final. McConnell edged out the victory via split decision on Saturday, securing the gold medal.
In an interview with BBC Sport NI, McConnell said: "The decision [not to go on Love Island] paid off. If I had have got put out in the first round I might have went 'did I make the right decision?'". He also joked that it was "not bad company" to be in, alongside Kate O'Connor who won the heptathlon on Wednesday.
McConnell's victory brings Northern Ireland's total gold medal count to two, with O'Connor's heptathlon gold being the first. The boxer, who has been training since he was eight or nine, said that he had written down August 1 as the day he would win Commonwealth gold on December 28 last year.
The win marks a significant moment in McConnell's fledgling boxing career, and he's not ruling out a future appearance on Love Island. "But a gold medal now so they can give me a shout if they want," he said.
The Northern Ireland boxing team had a successful Games, with half of the 12-strong squad taking home a medal. Michaela Walsh and Kaci Rock also won silver and bronze medals, respectively, while Willie John McCartan, Garyn McAllister, and Jude Gallagher claimed bronze.
The team's young age profile – with eight members aged 25 or under – was seen as a strength by many, and they proved themselves to be a force to be reckoned with in the boxing ring. Rock, who was competing in her first Games, said: "I think so many people doubted our team because we're a younger, fresher and inexperienced team but we have six medals coming home. We've proven we're only getting started and there's so much more to come."
The success of the Northern Ireland boxing team has set the stage for a bright future, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for McConnell and his teammates. For now, they're basking in the glory of their Commonwealth Games success.
Source: Yahoo Sports