TEENAGER boxer Elizabeth Bools was unfazed by her international debut as she came home from the Three Nations Championships with gold.

The 17-year-old, who is from Melksham, wrapped up victory in the 48kg class with victories over England teammate Macy Kilkenny and Scotland’s champion Megan Gordon in Yorkshire to be drowned British champion.

Trowbridge ABC boxer Bools admits she learned plenty from her first experience of the international scene, which earned her qualification for the European Youth Championships, due to take place at the end of May.

“I’m really happy with it. You had to be quite organised because there are a lot of people who are all competing. It isn’t like at a club, it is completely different,” she said.

“You sort of have to take control of yourself which I liked because that is how it is going to be in the future.’’ Bools opened up against England team-mate Macy Kilkenny, against whom she claimed the U48kg title at February’s England Boxing National Youth Championship, in Rotherham, at the weekend.

After winning that bout via a unanimous points decision she faced Scottish champion Megan Gordon in the final.

Despite it proving a much closer affair, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College student Bools earned a split decision to take the crown.

“I’ve learned how things are normally run when you are boxing on an international stage and what is expected from you,’’ added Bools.

“It’s been a lot of sacrifices to get to this point. I train seven or eight times a week, make sure my diet is right and go to the gym instead of seeing my friends. 

“A lot of effort has gone into the last four years and I’m finally getting to that stage with England which makes it all worth it.” 

Her coach at Trowbridge ABC, Steve Bryant, believes this is just the start for the talented youngster, with European Championships also assured. 

“This is the biggest thing she has achieved because it is her first time competing at international level,” he said.

“She’s the champion of Britain now. She’s destined for big things and is one of those people who is so humble. 

“She has a great attitude and she’s dedicated. Mentally she is very strong and she knows exactly what she wants. 

“This is what she wanted and I did tell her it was achievable. She’s just gone about it and almost expected to do it. 

“She’s overjoyed with the success but I think deep down she knew that she was capable of it. 

“This is one girl where if you give her an opportunity she doesn’t miss, she grasps it with two hands.”