AS SHE PREPARES TO COMMENTATE AT THE PARIS OLYMPICS - NICOLA ADAMS

ON BEING A ROLE MODEL, EMPOWERING WOMEN AND HER GREATEST CHALLENGE YET

- EMILY HORAN

When it came to taking on the challenge of motherhood, Nicola Adams had thought her resilience as a double Olympic champion boxer might have given her a bit of an edge. But, she tells hello!, she was mistaken.

“Motherhood is a way bigger challenge than I ever thought it was going to be,” says the Leeds-born star, who triumphed in London 2012 – becoming the first female and first openly LGBTQ+ person to win an Olympic gold for boxing – and again at the Rio Games in 2016.

“When you’re handed the baby, you’re like: ‘Okay – is there a manual? Is somebody going to come and help me?’ It’s an emotional whirlwind.”

Thankfully, 41-year-old Nicola and her partner Ella Baig, 26, have found their stride after welcoming son Taylor, who turns two on 9 July.

“He’s a real go-getter and a proper little cutie,” says Nicola with a laugh. “His new favourite words are: ‘Ready, steady, go!’ and then he runs off.