Canadian boxer Mandy Bujold reveals illness after Olympic elimination
Fighter says she was hospitalized, 'lost over 2 kgs' before bout
Canadian boxer Mandy Bujold lost her quarter-final match Tuesday at the Rio Olympics, eliminating her from medal contention, and revealed later that she was hospitalized due to an illness the night before the fight.
The flyweight lost a 3-0 decision in four rounds to China's Cancan Ren.
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The 29-year-old native of Kitchener, Ont. was competing in her first Olympics. The Chinese boxer who beat her was the silver medalist in the event four years ago in London.
Sick the night before
After her bout, Bujold revealed that she was struck by a serious illness the night before her big fight.
"I lost over 2 kgs in fluid during that night and had to go to the hospital and get connected to an IV to rehydrate as much as I could," she said. "I went straight from the hospital bed to the venue and didn't even have the energy to warm up."
While she gave full credit to her "world class" opponent, Bujold added that "in most cases I would be upset with my performance but with the cards I was dealt I'm happy that with all odds against me. I still had the courage to step in there [and] give this girl a good fight."
Ren will move on to the semis for a chance to fight for a bronze medal.
Bujold was Canada's last remaining boxer standing in Rio. Women's teammate Ariane Fortin lost her first bout on Sunday.
On the men's side, Canadian light welterweight Arthur Biyarslanov lost his round of 16 match earlier this week.