Washington's Olympic boxer Pat McCormack excited as Team GB unveil team

Pat McCormack today spoke of his excitement that he and Wearside neighbour Josh Kelly have arrived at the Olympic party.
Team GB's boxing side and performance director Rob McCracken (back row left) and Team GB'S Chef de Mission, Mark England (back right) face the media in SheffieldTeam GB's boxing side and performance director Rob McCracken (back row left) and Team GB'S Chef de Mission, Mark England (back right) face the media in Sheffield
Team GB's boxing side and performance director Rob McCracken (back row left) and Team GB'S Chef de Mission, Mark England (back right) face the media in Sheffield

The Washington boxer and Kelly only booked their places for Rio last week when they reached the semi-finals of the World Olympic Qualifier in Baku.

It took Great Britain up to their maximum male quota of 10 boxers and the local heroes were this afternoon at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield to be officially unveiled as Team GB athletes.

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"There was nothing worse than not having qualified when the rest of the team was," said McCormack who went on to strike gold in Baku.

"Me and Josh were the only two who had not got places, so it was unreal when we got through.

"Everyone [in the camp] was saying 'you will do it, you'll get there' but I just needed to do it and get to the Olympics.

"Now I'm there, I'm going for gold."

McCormack was today presented with his certificate by Team GB'S Chef de Mission, Mark England, when the British Olympic Association announced its biggest squad since 1984.

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The 21-year-old will go to Brazil as one of the favourites at light-welter following his title at the World Olympic Qualification event, enjoying a unanimous win over Richardson Hitchins of Haiti in the final.

It completed the perfect tournament, having won every round of each of his five bouts on on every judge's scorecard.

"When I tried to qualify from the European event, I was too tense, I'd put too much pressure on myself," said the Birtley ABC fighter.

"But I was nice and relaxed in Baku and not thinking too much about it and I never lost a round."

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McCormack and welterweight Kelly will be joined on the plane by Hartlepool's Savannah Marshal, who will fight at middleweight.

They are part of a 12-strong Team GB squad who are going to Brazil.

“This is the largest boxing squad we’ve taken to an Olympic Games since Los Angeles 1984," said England.

“Team GB has a proud history in Olympic boxing and it’s fantastic to see that tradition continue with this class of 2016.

"These 12 boxers can go to Rio 2016 full of confidence and can expect to challenge with the very best on display in the ring in Brazil.”