Plantsbrook School boxer Zaynah Casserly has proved she is the greatest – by being crowned national champion.
Now 15-year-old Zaynah has her sights set on Olympic glory, and a place in the British squad for the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
Year 10 student Zaynah was awarded the national title for her age group by England Boxing after triumphing in a two-day event in Hereford last month.
“I went to the semi finals and won through to fight the next day in the final,” said Zaynah, who is a student at Plantsbrook School, which is part of the Broadleaf Partnership Trust.
“It felt great to win the final – it paid off a lot of the hard work I’ve put in.”
Plantsbrook School boxer Zaynah trains in Perry Barr
Zaynah started boxing when she was 10 years old, trains at the Aston Amateur Boxing Club in Perry Barr and is studying GCSE PE at Plantsbrook, among other subjects.
Her hero is Irish world champion Katie Taylor, who is known for her speed in the ring.
“I think that’s part of the strength of my boxing too,” Zaynah said, “footwork is very important, and how quickly you can get around the ring, and that’s something I’ve worked on. It’s about speed as much as strength and punching.”
And while Zaynah’s long term ambitions may be Olympic gold in 2028, her next target is her first championship belt.
“I won a medal for this national championship,” she explained, “but when the next national championships come around, in March, I will have moved up a year group – and I’ll be fighting for a belt.”
Plantsbrook’s Year 10 Achievement Co-ordinator Andrew Fleet said: “Zaynah is clearly a superstar – even putting her boxing aside, she’s a pupil who personifies the school motto of ‘Be the best that you can be’.
“She sets a really outstanding example to her peers, and is a classic case of what you put into life you get out.”
Mum Sarah said: “I am so very proud of Zaynah – she has worked very hard. She’s so dedicated and disciplined and is a great role model.
“John Homer, her coach from Aston ABC, has really guided and encouraged her as have the other coaches and I would like to thank them all for the time and hard work that goes in to the gym and our boxers.”
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“Zaynah is clearly a superstar – even putting her boxing aside, she’s a pupil who personifies the school motto of ‘Be the best that you can be,’
– teacher ANDREW FLEET