This Latino Is Bringing The U.S.A. Its First Medal For Boxing In 8 Years
Thanks to an impressive win this past week, 20-year-old Nico Hernandez is bringing the U.S. its first medal for boxing since the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
Win or lose, the Wichita, Kan., native is set to bring home at least a bronze medal. But Hernandez has much higher aspirations.
If you haven't checked out the newspaper yet go ahead an pick one up ??
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
If you haven't checked out the newspaper yet go ahead an pick one up ??
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
“I won’t be satisfied until I get the gold medal,” Nico told the Wichita Eagle.
Hernandez began fighting his way to the Olympics at the age of nine, when his father, and coach, took him to a local gym.
My Father gave me the greatest gift anyone could ever give another person He believed in me ??
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
Nico’s first sparring experience left him bloody and bruised…but he was hooked.
Love this picture #Blood #WarriorStatus #Boxing #Usa #PuertoRico #NoPain
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Love this picture #Blood #WarriorStatus #Boxing #Usa #PuertoRico #NoPain
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
To achieve his Olympic dream, Nico has to make sacrifices that most people his age will probably never understand.
How im feeling after only been gone a week lol
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
How im feeling after only been gone a week lol
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
Nico is extremely close to his family.
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
And they’ve supported and encouraged his passion for the sport.
Me and Grandma after my fight at the @tone_loc316 Memorial Show #Winning ??
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Me and Grandma after my fight at the @tone_loc316 Memorial Show #Winning ??
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
But competing and training often takes him away from those he cares about most.
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
However, it’s this level of dedication that has taken him to start his career with an amazing 25 wins in a row.
#TbT Got like 5 more since then. #Boxing #Champ #MakinMyDreamsComeTrue #Nationals #Boxing
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
#TbT Got like 5 more since then. #Boxing #Champ #MakinMyDreamsComeTrue #Nationals #Boxing
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
Nico would eventually lose a match, but the biggest loss Nico faced came in 2014. An accident on the job took the life of his friend, Tony Losey, a fellow boxer. He was only 22 years old.
Got the shirts in if anyone wants one tell me there $20
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Got the shirts in if anyone wants one tell me there $20
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
Tony and Nico trained together for years, but their bond was much deeper.
Gonna miss workin with you. Miss you already bro. R.I.P #CandleLightTonight
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Gonna miss workin with you. Miss you already bro. R.I.P #CandleLightTonight
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
They were like brothers.
Credit: Tone_Loc316 / Instagram
Tony’s death affected Nico so profoundly, he took time away from the sport he loved to grieve.
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
Nico considered walking away from boxing. Eventually, he decided the best way to honor Tony was to continue pursuing the dream they both shared.
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
These days, Nico is never without his friend. Before each bout, Nico prays in his corner to honor his fallen brother.
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
“When I’m in my corner praying, I know he’s right there with me. And I know he’s looking after me, watching over me.” Nico said to the Los Angeles Times.
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
A photo posted by Nico Hernandez (@nicomhernandez) on
Credit: NicoMHernandez / Instagram
This Friday, everyone will be there rooting for Nico as he fights the biggest match of his career.
#WichitaProud of @NicoTheBoxer. Great job Nico! #boxing #Rio2016 #localcelebrityhttps://t.co/iZ9eAAgyCM pic.twitter.com/nzvnWMkxjz
— Doubletreeairport (@DTreeWichita) August 11, 2016
#WichitaProud of @NicoTheBoxer. Great job Nico! #boxing #Rio2016 #localcelebrityhttps://t.co/iZ9eAAgyCM pic.twitter.com/nzvnWMkxjz
— Doubletreeairport (@DTreeWichita) August 11, 2016
Credit: @DTreeWichita / Twitter
Tony will definitely be there.
A photo posted by Tony Losey (@tone_loc316) on
A photo posted by Tony Losey (@tone_loc316) on
Credit: Tone_Loc316 / Instagram
READ: His Abuelito Worked In The Fields And He Wants To Pay Him Back With A Gold Medal
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