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Question
Hi Melanie, can you explain how a boxer gets on the USA Olympic team?

Answer
First off, it usually takes 9-13 years.  8-)  You must be a U.S. citizen and between the ages of 17 and 34 (no more than 34 before the Games start).  Last year we used a different method to determine the boxers who competed in the Olympic Team Trials:  Winners in each of the 11 weight classes from the 2006 National PAL and Golden Gloves; Winners in each weight class from the 2007 Western, Mid-West and Eastern Trials; Winners in each weight class from the 2007 Armed Services Championships, and winner and silver medalist from the 2007 U.S. Championships.  All boxers competed at the Olympic Team Trials in a double-elimination tournament in August to determine the U.S. team.  I don't know how it will be done for 2012.

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Melanie Ley

Expertise

I can answer all questions related to amateur boxing except those having to do with the actual physical training. I am not a coach. 8-) 21 years as an amateur boxing official; certified computer scoring technician; have worked on many tournament administration staffs; have coordinated a major national invitational tournament; have served as secretary, treasurer and Junior Olympic Chairman at the local level.

Experience

21 years as an amateur boxing official; certified computer scoring technician; have worked on many tournament administration staffs; have coordinated a major national invitational tournament; have served as secretary, treasurer and Junior Olympic Chairman at the local level.

Organizations
USA Boxing, Inc.

Education/Credentials
High school graduate; some college.

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