Nikita Parris getting inspiration from sister ahead Tokyo Olympics
Nikita Parris says it is “massive” that she is set to follow in the footsteps of her sister Natasha Jonas by representing Great Britain at the Olympics, describing the boxer as “a real inspiration”.
London 2012 saw Jonas make history as she became the first British female fighter to compete at the Olympics.
Parris, the Lyon forward who has scored 14 goals in 52 England appearances, is among an 18-player GB squad for this summer’s Tokyo Games.
The 27-year-old said: “It’s a massive moment. To be selected for any major tournament is a great achievement, but Team GB is special because it’s four nations into a team of 18. It’s not an easy team to be picked into.
“And to go to an Olympics is unbelievable, a dream. In 2012 I watched it, in 2016 I also watched it, and now I can be a part of it in 2021.
“In 2012, I watched my sister in the Olympics. To watch my sister in a GB team and then to be selected into a GB team is massive. It’s a really nice experience for us as sisters, us as family.
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“She really created a legacy by going to the Olympics in 2012. She was the first woman to be positioned in the boxing ring for GB women.
“I think it’s massive and she’s a real inspiration. At 36 years old she’s still competing in pro boxing, in great shape and really doing well.”
Asked if Jonas had been able to pass on much advice, Parris said: “Yeah a lot!”