sport news Lauren Price recalls driving taxis to fund her career, growing up with her ... trends now
In the heart of Wales, anticipation builds as Lauren Price gears up for a momentous weekend. Having secured an Olympic gold medal and been honoured with an MBE, Price stands on the cusp of a new milestone: her first world title.
From her upbringing under the guidance of her grandparents to her transition from representing Wales in football to dominating the boxing ring, Price's journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Now, as she prepares to step into the ring this weekend, she sets her sights on not just winning a championship belt but entertaining her home fans, making her grandparents proud and announcing herself on the big stage.
So, with the above in mind, Mail Sport travelled to Sheffield to join Price in camp ahead of her bout with two-weight world champion Jessica McCaskill in Cardiff on May 11.
From an early age, Price's grandparents - Linda and Derek - recognised her natural athleticism and boundless energy, encouraging her to explore various sports.
Lauren Price will face two-weight world champion Jessica McCaskill in Cardiff on May 11
The fight marks Price's first world title shot and will take place on her home turf in Cardiff
Price is looking to claim the WBA and Ring welterweight belts on Saturday evening
Whether it was kicking a football around the backyard or lacing up boxing gloves at the local gym, Price's grandparents were her biggest cheerleaders.
As Price stands on the brink of her first world title, she credits them for laying the foundation for her achievements.
Speaking about her grandparents, Price said: 'I was brought up by my grandparents from three days old. I had so much energy. I was bouncing around. And my nan said to my granddad, oh, we need to take her somewhere, you know, to burn some energy off.
'He was mad into his football back then. He would run boys and girls clubs. He was well respected my grandad. He took me to the local boys team that he used to run and I was the only girl there with a bunch of boys.
'I just got stuck right in and fell in love with sport then and there. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't really good at the start, but I think that's what molded me and made me better and tough, you know, playing with the boys and getting knocked about and alongside that.'
She went on to add: 'I started kickboxing around the same time, so I was kind of out seven days a week. They would take me every all over the country and then on the weekends as well.
'They supported me whenever and where ever, even when I was playing football in the rain. They always showed me love and told me to believe in my dreams.'
With her grandparent's guidance and support, Price began to think of sports as more than just a pastime and decided to pursue as career in football before setting her sights on the Olympics.
'As a child in school, I wrote three things down. I wanted to be a world kickboxing champion, play football for Wales and go to the Olympics, and, yeah it's crazy to think I ticket them all off.'
Price believes her career in football - representing Wales 52 times - has helped her become the boxer she is today.
'You look at the likes Katie Taylor, she played football for her country as well. And I think my style of having, being fast, that probably comes from my football days.
'Everything's kind of molded me. I got asked this question last night about pressure, having pressure on me, and I think all the experiences have gone through my life - like captaining my country at the age of 19 has helped
