Boxer Atheyna Bylon does not advance to the semifinal after losing to Lauren Price
Panamanian boxer Atheyna Bylon was unable to advance to the semifinal round of the -75 kg category at the Tokyo Olympics after losing a unanimous decision (5-0) tonight to Britain's Lauren Price in the quarterfinals.
Bylon, 32, was on the verge of giving Panama an Olympic medal, after having placed among the eight best in her category.
In the fight against the Welsh, held this Friday night, July 30 at the Kokugikan arena, the Panamanian fighter did not manage to take advantage of her advantage in range, while her rival placed the most precise blows.
Price is currently the number one in the division and this victory has the flavor of revenge, since in 2014 Bylon surpassed it in the World Cup in South Korea; on that occasion the Panamanian won the title of the 69 kg category.
The semifinal fight will be held on Friday, August 6 at 1:00 a.m. (Panama time) and the final will be on Sunday, August 8 at 12:45 a.m.
Had she won, Bylon would have secured at least one of the two bronze medals that Olympic boxing semi-finalists receive. The Panamanian receives an Olympic diploma, a distinction awarded by the International Olympic Committee to athletes who are among the eight best in their category.
“It is the dream of every athlete, to wear a medal for her country. Unfortunately, it did not happen this time,” the second sergeant of the National Police told AFP.
In the mixed zone of the Kokugikan arena, Bylon regretted not being able to present a medal to her fellow Panamanian Police force. "I have the 100% support of my colleagues and Panama," she said grateful. "They told me that they supported me regardless of the result, but as an athlete you want a better result."
With the participation of Bylon, there are already six Panamanians who finished their participation in the Olympic event.
In athletics, sprinter Gianna Woodruff qualified for the semifinals, and sprinter Alonso Edward, jumper Nathalee Aranda and marathon runner Jorge Castelblanco have yet to compete.