By Timothy Lewis

Terry Washington, a 17-year-old San Bernardino youth took home the gold medal at the USA Boxing National Junior Olympics in Lubbock, Texas in July.

Washington trains at Project Fighting Chance, a gym originally created as a youth mentoring and life skills program which provided kids structure through organized sports. Throughout, Project Fighting Chance has given itself quite the name through its various partnerships with local community organizations and its PBS documentary following the story of the gym and its youth members “The Hopefuls.” Despite its notoriety, Project Fighting Chance has not slowed the momentum and seems to be only making larger waves in the community.

“Terrible” Terry’s success may have stemmed from Project Fighting Chance, but his instinct and tenacity as a fighter is what has made him a Junior Olympian. When asked how he felt since taking home the gold in Texas, Terry said that he felt “Amazing and blessed to be able to take the gold.” He continued, “In those tournaments, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but no matter what it’s still tough. I was lucky enough to win.” Inside the Ropes Boxing said that Washington is a “Very talented fighter, who consistently goes deep into every tournament I watch.” They continued, “Washington has talent and is getting better and better.”

When asked “where do we go from here” regarding Terry’s career, trainer Ian Franklin said that their plans are for Terry to represent the U.S. in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. “Terry’s the best in the nation, he’s a six-time national champion, and he just took home the gold. He’s still a growing young man and believe me, when I tell you he’s going to be representing our nation in Paris 2024,” said trainer Ian Franklin. Ambitious but feasible goals for the San Bernardino youth. “Terry is a little guy”, said Franklin, “but despite his small size Terry goes into every fight with a fire like no other.” There is no doubt this San Bernardino youth has talent and a bright future ahead of him. Lookout for this upcoming talent next Summer Olympic season. Terry was honored at San Bernardino City Hall August 18 for his victory in Texas.