Corporal Megan Reid is hoping to be the first Scottish female to win a medal in boxing at the Commonwealth Games.
Originally from Duns in the Scottish Borders, Megan will become the third female boxer to represent Team Scotland at a Commonwealth Games when she steps into the ring on Monday night (1 August).
Thirty-two-year-old Megan joined the British Army 13 years ago and took her first step into the boxing ring nine years ago when she was serving in 13 Air Assault Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps as a Communications Specialist. From there she joined the Army Boxing team and then went on to join the Scottish National Team.
Being in the Army teaches you the value of hard work and regular training, even when you don’t feel like it. It all pays off in the end. Corporal Megan Reid
She said: “They were looking for volunteers for the regiment’s boxing team. I’d always been keen on fitness but had never done boxing, so I thought I’d give it a go.”
And give it a go she did. Since then she has competed in three World Championships and one European Championships.
She said: “It’s been a whirlwind. I never imagined I would get to this level. I started at 23 and worked my way up. It started out as part of my fitness routine and grew from there.
“This is my first Commonwealth Games and it’s been my focus for the past few years. I have hopes for a medal, gold if possible. If I’m successful, I would be the first Scottish female to gain a medal in boxing at a Commonwealth Games.”
The countdown for the Games has been intense with Megan, who will be competing in the 60Kg category, working on maintaining her base fitness, speed, power and technique.
She said: “60Kgs is quite a competitive weight in the female division. My biggest competitor will be Amy Broadhurst who is the current world champion.”
Megan credits her military background with instilling in her the discipline she needs in the ring.
“Discipline is key - not just in the ring but also in the training that gets you there, “said Megan.
“Being in the Army teaches you the value of hard work and regular training, even when you don’t feel like it. It all pays off in the end.
“I would be buzzing if I won a medal. I have the experience, I’m confident, all I have to do now is go out and perform.”
Megan’s first opponent will be Gemma Richardson who is boxing for England, on Monday night. Each boxing match will consist of three, three-minute rounds. The ring will have judges scoring each round in favour of one boxer or another. Each round is scored on a 10-point system with a clear win scored as 10-8, a win 10-9 and a draw 10-10.