Claressa Shields Makes Team US History!

Every day history is made during the Olympics, and Claressa Shields not only took home the Gold, but made some major steps in doing so!

Claressa Shields became the first ever to win the Gold for the US in Women’s Boxing.  The 17-year-old spoke with ‘Seventeen,’ saying that she used others’ doubts to fuel her dreams.  Following years of bullying by schoolmates, Claressa once heard her dad wish that he always had a son that could one day be a great fighter.  She told ‘Seventeen,’ “Why a son?” and since then, it was her dream to become the best boxer she could be!

Fighting not only in the gym, but past the ridicule that “boxing is a man’s sport,” Claressa made history today by taking home the Gold for Women’s Boxing at the 2012 London Summer Games.  To check out her complete interview with ‘Seventeen,’ click here for the full interview with 'Seventeen.'

We’re super impressed with your feats, Claressa!  You’ve made some terrific strides for aspiring champs in boxing, and sports in general.  See you in 2016?

Photo: NBC Olympics