“People Don’t See”: Paris-Bound Boxing Champ Morelle McCane Reveals the Dark Side of Athlete Life While Preparing for The Summer Olympics

The athletic realm is hailing all the Paris hopefuls, who are securing seats on the much-demanded Olympic roster. Though track and field are making waves like no other, boxing needs eyes now. Some athletes who have dreamt of being Olympians since their tender years are finally bringing those goals to fruition. One of them is Morelle McCane, who wears “Discipline is self-love and I’m the captain of my ship” on her sleeves.

The Team USA welterweight champ has reversed the definition of the sport that revolves around blood and sweat. A natural entertainer and a master of her art, McCane achieved the greatest laurel, winning the 66 kg silver at the 2023 Pan-Am Games. But heading into Paris didn’t dwindle the hard reality of sporting individuals.

Boxing champ McCane reminisces about the bad and the ugly

Bearing the 13-year Olympic dream culminated when she finally spotted herself on the Team USA list, the Cleveland native opened up to News 5, sharing her journey from a toned-down trainee to a high-intensity one in a jiffy. She said, “The camps we go through, you’re working out six days a week, back to back, you’re working hard, I love it”, but the following statement hinted at a dent in her heart which came from misjudgments or something related.

“People don’t see the behind-the-scenes or the miles that you put in, the film study that you put in, the meals that you have to say no to.” This statement asserted that being a sportsperson comes at a heavy cost. But being under Push Davis’ tutelage at the Bob Davis Boxing Club has brought successes to her life, which her mother, though initially discontent, takes pride in now.

“I didn’t like it, that’s my daughter… But I am so proud of her already for what she’s done”, said Jocelyn McCane, her daughter’s biggest fan. Getting back to McCane’s story, non acknowledgements hit her more because her path to glory wasn’t a very smooth one. Let’s take a look.

McCane lost her brother amid peak success

Signing up for boxing at 17, she was behind in age, but not in finesse. Quickly transitioning to being a top contestant in tournaments, McCane faced the hardest blow when her brother left her side. “I feel like having a childhood that was a little rough and losing my brother at what should have been the most exciting time in my career was one of the most devastating things”.

Right after her first fight, her brother’s passing left her heartbroken. But her athletic qualities helped her channel misery into discipline. She takes her sport seriously, but she isn’t ignorant of the competitiveness. Heading into Paris, will she bag a gold at the marquee event in July?

READ MORE: USA Boxing Unveils Exciting Initiative for Olympic Participants to Get Paris Ready