Introducing our eighth Generation 22 athlete, the hard-hitting brummie, boxer Niall Farrell. Niall joined Team GB at Tokyo 2020 as a sparing partner, helping the athletes prepare for competition, and we cannot wait to see him in action next year at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, he is absolutely one to watch out for. 

It has not always been plain sailing for the young boxer. Niall Farrell has admitted the was a point where he was unsure as to whether he would compete again inside the squared circle. A tendon injury in his right hand left the 23 year old out of action for 3 years. 

"I think the biggest challenge would be my injury to my hand. I think that's been the hardest thing mentally and physically."

Farrell admitted he fought through the pain for years and would feel the "bone go through" his hand when landing a glove to his opponent.

"But at the same time, it's been a blessing in disguise..." Niall says,

"...and how I've reacted to what's unfolded is moulded me into the person I am today."

Niall has showed tremendous strength to overcome this challenge, and it is clear for all to see what he has been building towards in 2022.

"Next year is the Commonwealth Games in my hometown, Birimingham 2022.

I think that it's going to be a big big thing for me being a hometown boy. I can't wait to put a performance on for my home fans."

We cannot wait to see Niall put on a performance, but it is not going to be an easy ride and there is plenty of work that needs to go in to the build up to the Games. Niall was able to give us a bit of an insight into what preparation for a major event is like:

"It's very tough. Mentally and physically at the end of it when you go to the tournament, it makes you feel like you've done everything you can, you've left no stone unturned, you're ready to do a job."

The hard work has been worth it before for Niall, in 2017 he came back from the European Championships with a silver medal, a clear example of hard work and determination paying off. Niall explained what it was like for him, competing on that stage was like:

"It was a bit breathtaking to be honest, fighting that many times, and then coming back with a medal. Because you represent your country it was a big thing. These moments now will be in my life forever."

And Niall highlights the moment he came back from the Championships to celebrate with his family as his career highlight to date.

"The best moment for me would be coming back from Europeans with a silver medal, going to one of the local bars, and putting my silver medal around my dad's neck.

"That was a special moment."

We are so excited for more special moments with Niall, and the prospect of seeing him representing Team England and fighting in his hometown is something that we are all relishing.

"It doesn't really happen often that I'll be able to fight in my hometown." said Niall.

"And to be able to bring a crowd with me as well as gaining many more fans. Just to be able to have that home advantage, the amount of people I'm going to bring, all my fans from home. It's really going to be a special moment in my life."

We are really looking forward to following Niall's development and preparation in the build up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

You can watch Niall's interview here: