The entire world are gearing up for the Olympics, which is only a week away.

Now deep into her Olympic preparations is Katie Taylor, who is leading Ireland’s hunt for medals this summer. She is part of the impressively strong Irish Boxing Team who are ready to fight for Olympic glory.

Katie is already achieving great feats heading into the Games. London 2012 will mark the return of Katie’s sport to the Olympics. The last time women were competing for Olympic Gold was in 1904 in St. Louis. As the world number one, she is leading the way for its return. She has the support of not only her team and country, but also her coach, Billy Walsh, who sees her as a pioneer:

‘Katie is the flagship of the women’s sport and one of the main reasons it got into the Games. Other countries are chasing her and trying to find ways to beat her’

‘Without improvement they would be catching up on her, but Katie continues to improve’

For Katie, bringing the sport to the global stage is an exciting opportunity.

‘The world is going to see how competitive it is and I think people will be shocked when they see it’

There is an incredible amount of pressure on her shoulders. Although, she is refusing to buckle.

‘For me it has been a lifelong ambition to represent my country in the Olympic Games, so I want to enjoy the privilege and take it all in. I am aware of the expectations that is on me, but nobody expects more of me than myself’

Her coach knows this better than anyone.

‘She lives the life of a world-class athlete. Mentally she’s very strong. And she has great physical attributes: her reactions, her explosiveness; her timing and accuracy could compare with any athlete in any discipline’

We wish her and Team Ireland the best of luck!