EARNING a spot at the Olympic Games is an impressive feat in itself.
But doing so while working several jobs on the side is even more incredible.
That is exactly what American boxer Morelle McCane has achieved.
The 29-year-old qualified for Paris 2024 by winning the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, last November.
But in order to fund her Olympic dreams, she took up a number of different jobs – all of which have no direct connection to her sport.
McCane has reportedly worked as a daycare supervisor, a mailroom worker and even a birthday party clown.
But now she is ditching the day jobs and going for gold in Paris.
Discussing her work outside of boxing, McCane told the Houston Chronicle: “You just have to find what you can for the moment sometimes.
“Because the good-paying jobs, they want you around for a long time, so you just have to find something that you can get, get quick and keep that income coming in.”
McCane is from Cleveland, Ohio and started boxing at the age of 17 during her senior year of high school.
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She has nine siblings – five sisters and four brothers.
Her younger brother, Gregory, tragically passed away in 2013 and she has since taken inspiration from him and the rest of her family.
Speaking to EssentiallySports, she said: “Life has been like up and down. I think the biggest thing that affected my life would be the passing of my little brother.
“I just remember, at my first fight, my brother was like so happy, he wore the belt in the neighborhood. I was like, ‘Take it off, it is so annoying’ and then like now I think back on those moments and I’m just like, I’m so happy like we had that moment.
“I wish he was here to see it now. He’ll be watching, but it’s nothing like a physical appearance.
“We hold ourselves back the most cuz we’re afraid of the trauma that we faced or just not believing in ourselves. You definitely need to get it in your mind. That’s where it starts. First is mental.”
McCane will represent Team USA Boxing in the 66 kg (145.5 lb) weight class this summer in Paris.
WHAT TO WATCH TODAY...
Paris 2024 Olympics – Opening Ceremony
Only one show in town today.. just about!
The historic Opening Ceremony which is taking place on the River Seine rather than a stadium ends proceedings on Friday evening.
While there has been football and rugby sevens among events which started before the ceremony this week, they will not be taking place on the day of the big bash.
Only shooting pre-event training will take place on the day of the Opening Ceremony.
Click here for all the events taking place at Paris 2024 today.
Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE blog.
